Around 2.5 million burglaries occur every year, and 66% of those are home break-ins. Fortunately, being aware of your surroundings and making a few changes to your home security with the help of a locksmith may help deter a burglar from making your home his next hit. Here are five signs that your home is being targeted.

Is Your Home a Target for Thieves?

1. Strangers in Your Neighborhood

When you notice unfamiliar faces walking or jogging in your neighborhood, note their behavior and dress. Burglars will seem fixated on looking at your property and may not be outfitted for the workout they are pretending to do. You may even notice someone taking pictures of your home or walking up and down your block repeatedly. Pull out your smartphone and snap a shot of them for law enforcement.  

2. Unknown Vehicles

Unfamiliar vehicles parked on your street for extended periods may be suspicious, especially if you never see any of your neighbors driving those cars. Vehicles may also have tinted windows, which will mask a thief sitting inside who is tracking your every movement.

3. Fake Handymen or Solicitors

Be wary of strangers knocking on your door, claiming an emergency, or handing out information for an organization. While it is not unheard of to have solicitors ringing your bell, do not let them inside. Thieves will find ways to make your home easy to access such as unlocking a window. Also watch out for people claiming to be a handyman, especially if you’ve just had work done in your home. Contact your contractor to find out if they’ve actually sent someone to repair any areas.

4. Flyers & Advertisements

You have probably seen flyers and other advertisements stuck to your door or in your mailbox. Sometimes burglars will place these to test how secure the home is. Remove these quickly. Leaving them is a signal to thieves that the home is unguarded and there is not much traffic going in and out.

5. Security Test

Avoid fake surveillance and security equipment, as most burglars can detect the difference between real and faux cameras. Also, consider calling a locksmith to upgrade your locks to keyless or smart versions that can be monitored and controlled remotely. These devices are harder to break into and if a thief sees you have updated security, they are less likely to target your home.

Serving New Haven County, CT, since 1897, Cohen’s Key Shop is the area’s trusted source for security. Whether you need locks changed for your home or lock repairs and access control systems for a business, their team of professional locksmiths can help. They are also well versed in safes and foreign and domestic cars, as well as other vehicles. Call the locksmiths at (203) 397-3528 for rekeying locks and other services, or visit them online for more on their offerings.