10 Tips to Protect Your Most Valuable Asset

Home Protection Tips

What should homeowners do to keep their most valuable asset protected from crime?  Home protection is vital to ensure you don't fall victim to burglary, home invasion, arson, or vandalism. According to the FBI Crime Data Explorer, 362,326 homes were burglarized in 2021. While property crime rates have declined significantly over the past decade, $737,294,919,165 worth of personal property was stolen in 2021.  Of course, crime rates vary significantly from neighborhood to neighborhood.  Search crime rates by zip code to get a more accurate assessment of property crime in your neighborhood.

Even if you live in an area where crime is not prevalent, it's important to take home protection seriously.  Many property crimes are crimes of opportunity.  According to the FBI, in 38% of burglaries, the criminal enters through an unlocked door or window.  Furthermore, 65% of burglars already know or have met the victim (Policy Advice).  Making sure that your home is securely locked and using caution when inviting people to your home is a good start to home protection, but there are many other preventative measures that you should consider.

Homeowners can take the following steps to protect their most valuable asset from crime:

1. Get Insured:  Get title insurance to ensure no one else can stake claim to your biggest asset- your home. Title insurance verifies that you have a clean chain of title and insures you against any future claimants.  Make sure that you maintain a homeowners insurance policy.  If you have a mortgage on your home, the lender requires that your home is insured.  If you have paid your home off, you should still maintain home insurance to protect against burglaries, fire, and most natural disasters.  Most homeowners insurance policies cover your personal belongings in the event of a burglary.  You should conduct a home inventory to make sure you have enough coverage.  If you have expensive art, collectibles, or jewelry, you should consider purchasing a special personal property endorsement or floater to insure valuable items at their appraised value.
2. Secure Doors and Windows: Install deadbolts on all exterior doors and ensure that windows are properly locked. Consider adding burglar bars to windows or security film to increase their strength.
3. Install a Security System: According to SafeWise, the University of North Carolina conducted a survey of 400 incarcerated burglars in which 60% of the respondents reported they were deterred by burglar alarms.  A security system with cameras, motion detectors, and a monitored alarm can deter burglars and provide an extra layer of protection.  Explore US News & World Report's best security systems of 2023.
4. Light up the Property: Install exterior lighting, including motion-sensor lights, to deter criminals and increase visibility around the property.
5. Trim Trees and Bushes: Overgrown trees and bushes can provide hiding places for criminals, so it is important to keep them trimmed to reduce hiding spots.  If you don't have the tools and/or time to maintain your landscaping, hire a landscaper to trim your trees and bushes on a set schedule.
6. Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building a relationship with your neighbors can create a sense of community and increase awareness of any suspicious activity in the area.  You can also organize a neighborhood watch to get your community actively engaged in property crime prevention.
7. Secure Valuables: Keep valuables, such as jewelry and important documents, in a secure location, like a safe or a safety deposit box.  Check out This Old House's 5 best safes in 2023.
8. Be Cautious with Social Media: Avoid posting information or pictures on social media that reveal your location or the contents of your home.  If you go on vacation, post your travel pictures after your vacation and make it clear in the post that you have returned home.
9. Be Mindful of Home Deliveries: Be cautious of home deliveries and consider having them sent to a secure location, like a workplace or a friend's house.  According to Security.org, porch piracy is on the rise with 49 million Americans reporting at least one package stolen in the past year.
10. Lock Up Tools: Tools, such as ladders and hammers, can be used by burglars to gain access to your home, so it is important to keep them locked up or stored securely.  Plus, an unsecured garage door is one of the most common entry points for burglars.