Protect Your Home from International Theft Ring
A spate of robberies at homes in Goochland, Chesterfield, and Henrico has raised fears that properties in the Richmond area are being targeted by a well-organized criminal group. Police say the group appears to target wealthier neighborhoods and is adept at planning break-ins to snatch money, purses, jewelry, and other small, valuable items when residents are away.
Burglaries and home invasions (when criminals enter a home while a resident is present) have been on the rise in Virginia and across the nation in recent years. In some cases, international “theft rings” are suspected of bringing in criminals on short-term tourist visas to commit crimes before leaving the country again to avoid detection.
Local police say they believe the recent burglaries are being carried out by groups from outside the area but have, as yet, not confirmed that the community is being targeted by an international criminal group. However, officers urged local residents to remain vigilant and safe by adopting best practices to avoid becoming a victim.
Let’s take a look at some practical steps you can take to protect your home today.
12 SMART STEPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME
Becoming a victim of a burglary is never pleasant, and any crime that targets your home is particularly upsetting. Worse, a home invasion that occurs while you and your family are present can put you and your loved ones directly in harm’s way!
Burglaries are also expensive. The FBI reported in 2019 that the average dollar loss per burglary was $2,661. That’s a lot of money. Even if your home insurance picks up the tab, you will pay for it in higher premiums and the hassle of repairing and replacing your home and possessions.
Here are 12 top tips and practical suggestions from police and private security experts on how to protect your home and how to prevent a home invasion. From simple hacks to smart security installs, these steps will help make sure criminals think twice about violating your space.
1. KEEP DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED
Your neighborhood is safe until it isn’t. Keeping doors that are not in use locked is a key best practice to minimize your risk of falling victim to crime. Keep back and side doors and outbuildings locked unless you are actively using these entrances and close windows when you are out or are not actively using that part of your home.
2. CLOSE YOUR GARAGE DOOR
Seems obvious, right? Yet, every weekend scores of suburban garage doors stay up all day and sometimes all night, even when no one is home. Don’t make it easy for thieves. Not only is your garage full of expensive (and easy to grab) tools and equipment, but it provides passers-by with valuable clues about what’s in the rest of your home.
3. GET SMART ABOUT LOCKS
Spending a little more on quality locks is worth it to keep your possession safe and protect your family from a potential home invasion. Did you know Richmond Security’s professionals can install high-security mechanical locks for added peace of mind, or even roll out intelligent lock systems that never need rekeying?
We also provide high-security keys that can never be duplicated and connected systems that will link door locks to your video surveillance and remote access systems.
4. ADD EXTERIOR LIGHTS
Adequate lighting around your home sends the message that you care about your property and its security. It also makes it harder for criminals to approach your property unseen or to hide in shadows or undergrowth close to entrances. It’s a cost-effective step with a big security payoff.
5. INSTALL MOTION-SENSING LIGHTS
Motion sensing lights are a particularly effective safety and security measure, lighting up to help family and visitors find their way in the dark but also making potential perpetrators aware that you know they are there. Talk to a professional installer like Richmond Security about motion-detecting lighting that is discreet, effective, and pet-friendly.
6. ADD PROFESSIONAL VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
The cost of video surveillance equipment has fallen dramatically in recent years, and simple doorbell cameras or stand-alone Wi-Fi cameras are now accessible to almost anyone. For best results, however, consider professional installation.
An experienced supplier like Richmond Security will ensure all your cameras are optimally placed, have adequate lighting, and communicate perfectly with your mobile phone. We can even integrate video surveillance with your home access control system, communications systems, and infant monitoring equipment.
7. INSTALL A MONITORED SECURITY SYSTEM
For an added layer of security and peace of mind, install a monitored security system. Richmond Security offers 24/7 hosting and monitoring of both your video surveillance and alarm activations. Hosted services reduce false alarms, allow potential criminal activity to be independently verified, and can help speed up police response if needed.
An off-site validation and recording service also reduces your out-of-pocket expenditure on home security. Let Richmond Security design a customized solution that matches both your family’s needs and your budget.
8. INSTALL PANIC BUTTONS
Panic buttons on your key fob or located throughout your home allow you to alert police or medics when there is no time to reach for your phone. Unobtrusive but there when you need them, they can make all the difference during a home invasion or medical emergency.
As a full-service professional security solution supplier, Richmond Security can install panic buttons that are integrated with your fully customized residential security system.
9. KEEP THINGS SHIPSHAPE
If you are going to be away for a while it might be worth taking steps to make sure your home doesn’t scream “we’re out of town for now”. Arrange for a landscaping company to mow the lawn or rake up leaves, and if you expect heavy snow, make sure your driveway is not the only one that stays unploughed.
10. HOLD YOUR MAIL
Nothing says “unattended property” like an overstuffed mailbox. Be sure to hold your mail if you are going to be away for more than a night or two. You can complete a mail hold application online and USPS will drop off your collected mail when you return.
11. HAVE A FRIEND PICK UP PARCELS
Amazon, UPS, and FedEx deliveries sitting on your porch not only tell anyone casing your property that you are not around, but they’re also increasingly a target of theft themselves. Try not to schedule deliveries while you’re away, but if you are expecting something to arrive then have a friend or neighbor pick it up. Have them pick up those annoying restaurant flyers too!
12. INSTALL A SAFE
Simple but effective, a good quality safe is a necessity if you are a gun owner and protects valuable documents and currency from fire, water, and theft. Remember, however, a safe only works when it’s locked, so make sure you choose one that’s convenient and easy to use.
Richmond Security stocks a wide range of safes from American Security (AMSEC) and other quality manufacturers. We offer the best equipment, expert advice and installation, and safe moving services.
TALK TO THE EXPERTS AT RICHMOND SECURITY
Many home security tips are just common sense but to get the most out of today’s security technology it pays to talk to an expert. While motion detection, intrusion alert, and video surveillance technology are now widely available, it’s hard to know which products are best for your particular security needs or to know if it is installed correctly for optimum performance.
At Richmond Security, we’ve been helping local residences and businesses protect what’s most important for more than 40 years. We offer a full range of security products and equipment from basic locksmith services to sophisticated video surveillance and remote access control.
Talk to us about our smart, modular, and fully customizable offerings designed to meet your needs and your budget today, and to grow with you as your family or home grows. We offer:
- Residential security systems, including fire, smoke, and intrusion detection
- Residential locksmith services, including both mechanical and intelligent locks
- Connected smart home tools that link lighting, thermostat control, door locks, and video
- Fully integrated whole-home security systems, including Honeywell’s Resideo ProSeries Security and Life Safety Systems.
With every security system installation, you’ll receive:
- Free estimates
- Quick installation
- Security customized to your home
- 24/7 system monitoring.
Talk to Richmond Security today about how we can help you protect what really matters, or click below to learn more about our home security systems and safes.