6. Avoid Looking Affluent
Just as expensive clothing and jewelry can make you the target of muggers and/or angry rioters, the same goes for expensive cars and other items that may be unintentionally announcing your financial status out on the front lawn.
Remember that quick, at-a-glance perceptions are the force driving looters. Any conspicuous items of value (including highly fashionable landscaping, pavers, etc.) will make your home stand out. Expensive cars, even older models, will attract unwanted attention at the worst times.
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What kind of fool doesn’t lock doors??? My house doors are locked 24/7. Even my storm doors are locked. We have wooden rods in place to prevent opening of patio doors. My backyard fence gates have padlocks. I live in nice neighborhood which I view as making us more of a target because we might have something worth stealing. Since I’ve been unemployed for the last two years, the best a baddie would get is bag of rice or roasted chicken. As to attacking me, He’ll have to deal with teeth, fingernails, elbows and knees . But I don’t want 10-foot wall to advertise we have goodies. We try to blend with rest of neighborhood. We only have wood privacy fence in back yard to keep doggie from running amock.
We did, however, shortly after purchasing house, install double pane windows that lock securely. My next door neighbor is sooo jealous. Her husband preferred to buy a boat so she suffers with rattily old windows. It was sad to watch her run around stuffing bits of paper in frames to quiet rattling when it got windy. When we bought house, I figured it was smart to replace the 1959 drafty windows to avoid paying to heat the outside during winter or cool the outside during summer. But the security features on good windows are awesome.
Trish
I’ve also heard about the “distract you at the front door while they break in the back” so watch your back and your front. Having motion alarms can deter that sort of thing. Also, keep in good standing with your neighbors and you’ll all be watching out for each other! The Golden Rule! If you want your back protected, do so for others. It’s a win/win!
I work in an auto claims department. I had a claim for a stolen vehicle just today where the owner admitted to leaving the ignition key in the ignition and just locking the door with his fob. Ridiculous!!
That is hysterical! I’m so glad you shared that little nugget. Perfect illustration of how a little common sense (or lack thereof) can go a long way….