Light provides us with a means of welcoming friends, family, and guests as it
pushes back the darkness. Today, having sufficient lighting can be a great help
in deterring the criminal element.
Motion detectors can add a sense of confusion, which is a great ally in
securing your home and property. By installing a simple electronic timer to have
different lights turn on and off at various times, you can convince burglars
that someone is home. You can also use timers to have your home entertainment
centers on and off when you are not home adding more to the illusion that
someone is home. These timers are inexpensive and can possible save you from
becoming a victim.
Dusk to dawn sensors are good and do provide a measure of protection. However,
they do not actually alert the homeowners of the presences of a potential theft
because the lights are on throughout the night. In addition, dusk to dawn
systems also require the bulbs to be replaced more frequently. For this reason,
motion detectors are strongly recommended.
A combination of well-placed motion detection lighting and dusk to dawn lights
can be an effective deterrent and provide a warm glow to your property. Motion
detection lights should be placed so that they cover all windows and entrances
of your home and they should operate independently of all other lighting in your
home. By positioning these lights so that they cover all possible entrances to
your home, you can make it difficult for any burglar to gain access to your
property without being detected. However, it is vital that these and all other
forms of security devices be placed out of reach. Many times burglars will
carefully watch an intended target before they burglarize, if they can many will
destroy or make inoperable any and all security devices. Motion sensing lighting
also uses less electricity than traditional dusk to dawn lighting. By using a
combination of both dusk to dawn lighting and motion detection lighting, you
create an esthetically pleasing nighttime look for your home as well as an
efficient theft deterrent.
The majority of individuals who commit burglaries are males under the age of 30
years. These individuals usually are looking for items that can be easily sold
such as jewelry, guns, and electronics like laptop computers, iPods, MP3 players
etc. If they happen to locate cash, this is considered an added bonus. Three of
the best deterrents of break-ins are proper lighting, proper door, and window
locks, which reduce or eliminate any accessibility to your home, and home
security systems. Though many homeowners are also pet owners, dogs do not seem
to be a major deterrent to burglars. However, when dogs are used in a
combination with proper lighting, a security system, and strong door and window
locks, burglars are more likely to avoid this home, for one that is an easier
target. Another step to take to ensure the security of your home and that of
your neighbors is to have your neighborhood establish a neighborhood watch,
increase the amount of security around their homes by adding or including motion
detectors, security systems and reinforced door and window locks. By tightening
security in and around your neighborhoods, you’ll soon have a more secure
atmosphere for your family.
Lighting alone cannot prevent crime, nor does it assure the safety of your
family, however, statistics have shown that well-lit homes are less likely to be
burglarized. Help protect your family and property by installing proper lighting
and consider the installation of a comprehensive home security system. |