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If you see a strange activity in your neighborhood, be on the lookout: you may need to learn how to tell if someone is casing your house. This can take many different forms, so it is up to you and your judgment to determine. Is that unmarked white van a mechanic or potential burglar. Was that person knocking on my door really checking to see if I had seen their dog? Being vigilant can help protect you. Learning signs that someone is casing your house can protect you and your neighbors. As a security expert, I want to help people be safe.
Casing a house is when burglars are monitoring it and getting to know the daily activities of the people living there. This is so they can plan and make their move. Be aware that this is something that burglars do, and be on the lookout for this to happen.
By being properly informed, it will be easier to protect your home from potential burglars. You can learn what they are looking for, and also be able to better protect your home from being robbed by them. Take action steps today to deter burglars. Be watchful for any of these potential signs your home is being cased.
Unfamiliar Vehicles In The Neighborhood
You may notice cars parked in front of your house, or on the grass in front of your house. Cars also may drive by slowly at night or during the day. You also may notice people taking pictures of you or the front of your house. If you notice them do this, be on alert. Taking a picture of the license plate may be a good tactic.
Often, burglars will sit in cars with tinted windows, waiting for the change to get in through the door. Don’t let yourself be taken advantage of. If you see any strange vehicles in your area, immediately take precautions. Installing a security system and putting signs up letting burglars know would be one of the strongest tactics you have in protecting your home.
Door to Door Scams
Many times when a house is being cased, the potential burglars will put flyers or newspapers on your lawn or in your door. You may get a knock on the door. They may be advertising some sort of business service. Be sure to ask them for a business card. If they can’t provide one, then make a note of it.
This is to see if anyone is home and collecting the papers. If you get a paper but you don’t have a subscription, be on the lookout.
Make sure you take precautions. Burglars target homes that are routinely vacant during the day. They often will enter your home through the front door!
To avoid painting a bulls’ eye on your home, get rid of any flyers or distribution papers in a timely manner. This shows you are taking care of your home. If they know the house is occupied and being watched over, then they are less likely to attempt to rob the house.
Fake Emergencies
Does someone knock on your door, needing to use your phone? Do they have to use your bathroom? Don’t be afraid to tell these people “no.” They are most likely burglars looking to find an easy target. They will pull at your heartstrings and take advantage of unsuspecting people trying to do good. They may return later and know where your belongings are. Once they’re in your home, they may open a window or door for easy access once they return.
If anyone has a so-called emergency, kindly refer them to the police department.
Strangers Walking Through The Neighborhood
When you live in an area, you should be familiar with a set number of faces. If you see strange people in your neighborhood, it could be one of the warning signs that your house is being cased. Does the person make eye contact with you? Either staring or not making eye contact is definitely a red flag.
Be sure to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement. They are available 24 7 to help protect you from burglars or potential break-ins. If something doesn’t feel right about a situation, it is better to be vigilant than a victim of someone casing your home.
Strange Markings
Any strange spray paint, chalk, or graffiti on your home or around your home is cause for alarm. This can be marking your house to burglars and their cohorts. You may not be able to decipher the meaning of the markings, but those in the know would be able to. Take a picture of the markings and inform law enforcement. If you notice random signs around your house or your neighbor’s house, it may not be harmless.
What You Will Need
- Camera
- Pen and Paper
- List of Numbers for Local Law Enforcement
Protecting Yourself From Property Crimes
1. Locking Your Windows and Doors
The most important step you can take to protect yourself from burglars is to lock your windows and doors. Make sure your front and back door is locked when you leave the house. Do not neglect this step. Believe it or not, many people do not do this and it results in loss of property.
Locking your doors is something you can do that will definitely impact how many burglars will be interested in your house. A deadbolt will also give you another layer of protection that makes it less likely that burglars will break-in. Many people will leave spare keys in a flowerpot or under a mat. Don’t do that– this is exactly what burglars are looking for. Cover your bases by making it as difficult as possible for burglars to get into your house as you can.
2. Get a Dog
Many people have dogs for companionship. However, a house with a dog is also less likely to be broken into. They do not want the barking to draw attention to them, and to also potentially get bitten.
If you can, get a dog to help protect yourself and your home from getting robbed.
3. Stay Safe On Social Media
Be vigilant about what you share to social media. Many times the photos we post have location information embedded in them. If you know how to remove this information, do so. Most burglars enter when the homeowner is not there. Do not make it easier for them to know that you aren’t there.
Don’t post pictures of your house on social media. This makes you an easy target for potential thieves. On the same note, don’t tell people when you are going on vacation. Refrain from posting your work schedule, or making any other indication that you are not in your house so no one can enter it. You don’t know what people are looking at your social media.
When posting on classified sites, refer to your neighborhood rather than your address. You don’t know how many people can see your address when you make it public information. An alarm system can be a good barrier to getting your house robbed. There are many good battery-powered security camera systems that you can install near your front door. Post a sign so potential burglars know they are being watched. This will be enough to deter them.
You may also want to look into a 4k burglar system. The best solar powered security system will provide you with great protection and also help you to save on electricity.
4. Make Your House Look Occupied
Does your mail pile up when you go on vacation? This is a key sign that burglars look for. Don’t let this happen to you. You can ask someone to look after your mail for you– a relative, neighbor, or friend. You can also ask the post office to hold your mail. Unlooked after a mail is a giveaway that no one is taking care of the house.
5. Install Barriers and Fences
Backyards without fences are easier to access than those with fences. Fences send a strong message to would-be thieves: keep out! They may enter through that way to make it more difficult for neighbors to see them. Using a fence can be a big step in helping to protect your home from potential thieves. It adds a barrier between you and them and will make it less likely that they will enter through the back.
If your home is potentially at risk for being robbed, let us know. We can help you today with an expert at home security systems. Did you enjoy learning what experts have to say about signs your home is being cased? Do you feel more prepared and ready to help make your house safer? Don’t forget to ask us to help you with your home protection needs. Installing a camera is a good base for protecting your home.
Especially if you notice that your house is being cased, you will want to change your protection methods in order to help your home and your family. Let us know what you think in the comments, and share it to help your family and friends.
