This guest post is brought to us by Jennifer Kurtz. Home security is important and something you may not think about often. Special Note: As a cavalier owner, I do not see this type of dog as any type of security system! They love strangers and rarely bark when someone comes to the house. Unless you are a cat! The criminal mind is a complex one, but remarkably predictable. Many criminals think in the same way, and hence have a tendency to follow a specific pattern of behavior. By knowing what a criminal is thinking, you can take measures to protect yourself and your home from being robbed. In fact, this can also help protect your car from break ins, or your business from being a target for a criminal.
Here are some of the recurring patterns found in crime, and what you can do to protect yourself.

1 Criminals Want to Avoid Trouble

Ironically, committing a crime is as close to trouble as you can get. However, regardless of the nature of the crime or the motives behind it, criminals do not want to get caught. They will avoid situations where it is apparent that they will run into trouble. For example, if they are looking to make some quick money by breaking into a home and stealing, they would rather attempt this on a vacant home. Encountering someone inside only means that there is a greater risk of being caught or being noticed.

The ideal crime for a criminal is being able to do it and then disappearing. If your home looks like a soft target, they will be more likely to target you. You can make your home seem more difficult to rob by installing an alarm system. You should also attend all doorbells, so that anyone at the door knows you are inside.

2 They Look For Obvious Indications of Low Security

As a corollary to the previous point, low security leaves your home or office looking like and easy target. A criminal will see an alarm system or a security guard and view it as a hurdle that he may not want to cross. You should display a warning sign as deterrence. Otherwise, a thief may break in thinking there is no alarm system, causing damage. Even if he does make a run for it without stealing, you will eventually have to pay for repairing the damage that has been caused.

3 They Don’t Want to Draw Attention

Anything that draws attention to the presence of a lurking stranger will result in scrutiny of the individual, and they may be reported for suspicious behavior. A criminal does not want to look suspicious, or have anyone remember who he was. He will try to be as discreet as possible.
You can counter this by installing motion sensitive lights, so that anyone in the vicinity will be immediately noticeable. You should also have a well-lit porch, so that you can view anyone at the doorstep. Having a dog is also a good idea, as barking may help alert neighbors in case of trouble.

4 Most Criminals Are Looking To Get The Work Done Quickly

A criminal’s worst nightmare is to be trapped or slowed down at the scene of the crime. They will often plan a quick getaway before they attempt any activity. Having physical barriers such as high walls or barbed wire will make a getaway slower and the crime less attractive to the criminal. Also installing blinds or curtains on all windows will prevent the criminal from being able to plan his escape, and make your home or office more secure.

Jennifer Kurtz is a home security adviser, who has helped to make many homes safer. She has worked for many years Lifeshield home security, and uses her experiences to blog on home and office security.
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