Home intrusion generally has a pattern; criminals are looking for an easy target and they work fast. According to FBI statistics, a burglar strikes every 30 seconds in the US. That adds up to two burglaries every minute and over 3,000 burglaries per day. To gain a better understanding of burglary (and help people feel safer in their homes) South Florida-based P&O Global Technologies’ team of security system experts shares six tips from you can use to defend your home and prevent break-ins.

1. Traveling? Stay off social media. Thanks to social media, burglars and intruders can find out when you are not home, especially when you post photos of your travels. A recent survey found that burglars used social media to determine who was not home. According to a Credit Sesamereport, 80 percent of the robbers used Facebook, Twitter, Google Street view and Foursquare to scope out potential targets. As social media use increases, it’s not surprising that criminals are taking advantage of location check-ins and other map features to pinpoint your home’s exact location.
2. Get strategic with your landscaping. Anything that obscures a view from the street makes a home inviting to a burglar. Tall shrubs, trees, fences, and walls make hiding easier for a burglar. If you must have tall landscaping, consider choosing ones with thorns. Rose bushes provide both protection and beauty— they’ll add a nice pop of color and will prick anyone who comes too close.

Be sure to keep landscaping, including bushes and trees neatly trimmed and clipped, to ensure optimal viewing and to prevent the camera view from becoming obstructed.

4. Burglaries are more common in the daytime. Burglars like to break into homes during daytime hours – between 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – because there is a high chance people will be at work or school. The last thing criminals want is to encounter someone at home. 
5. Use motion sensors. What makes burglars go away? Motion sensor lights, TVs left on, cars in the driveway or anything that makes it look like you are home. Even though most burglaries do take place during the day, motion lighting can fend off any criminals who prefer the cover of darkness.

Placement is a large part of the successful application for motion sensors. They work best when placed high up to cover a large amount of area. Position the motion sensor near the security camera so you can have a clear view of the intruder.

5. Ditch the hide-a-key. Most intruders know that a spare key is likely to be under the mat (or under a rock), which is why this is the easiest way for a burglar to get into your home while you’re away. Swap this outdated fad for a garage door keypad or other alternative security measures.
6. Get a security system. Homes without a security system are almost 300 percent more likely to be targeted for a break-in, according to alarms.org. That’s where we come in handy. As with a camera, just the sight of an alarm system sticker can be enough to deter a thief. Many home security cameras can be set to alert your smartphone if someone is nearby.

The front door, back door and first-floor windows are the most common entryways for criminals. When placing cameras near your entrances, make sure your cameras are positioned so you can record a clear image of a person’s face.

In addition to deterring crime, having clear recorded evidence from security camera footage can be used as evidence in court and help law enforcement. Having this information documented is very valuable and essential to find and identify criminals which ultimately leads to the overall safety and protection of your neighborhood.

P&O offers the latest surveillance cameras for your home. Every year, new products come to the market, and P&O ensures to not only install the best but the most up-to-date systems. There are many types of security cameras on the market, and each type resolves a particular need of the end-user. Whether it’s CCTV and security camera systems, facial recognition technology or license plate recognition, P&O will help you navigate the best option. Our experts deliver free site surveys, professional installation, and support. Contact us today to find out more about how to best protect your home by calling 954-616-0600 or emailing info@pogt.net.