Home burglary is perhaps the biggest threat to our properties, assets and general safety at home with the exception of fire outbreaks and natural disasters. Depending on where you live, the recent surge in home invasions and daylight robberies in Accra may be a major cause for concern.

Media platforms and movies, stereotypically, suggest burglary is an act which occurs only at night. However, most home burglaries actually occur on weekdays during work hours. This is for the obvious reason that burglars choose the time they are least likely to encounter anyone at home.

Like any other criminal, a burglar will carefully choose his target, selecting who he perceives to be the weakest target. That being said, identifying and avoiding real estate scams is far easier than spotting a sly burglar before he attacks.

Normally, drug addiction and hunger are what drive these criminal activities since a burglar’s primary aim is simply to get possession of valuable items such as TV equipment, DVD players, laptops, etc., to convert into quick cash. To do this, they usually survey the area, paying close attention to detail and to assets they can grab before actually making the move to steal.

It is during this time they identify the easiest, least secure home with the most valuable items that can quickly be cleared. A house that appears to be a “hard target” will usually be bypassed.

Most houses in secure gated communities are very likely to be exempted from these invasions due to the high security, surveillance, and the probability of running into the caretakers on the premises. However, one should never be too careless with property.  Bear in mind, there is no such thing in the “real world” as a completely burglar-proof home.

The enemy of the burglar is time, swiftness in grabbing valuables within the shortest time and exiting the premises is their best case scenario. The longer the burglar takes to get in and get hold of the possessions, the higher the chances of him getting caught or getting spooked and giving up.

Every minute the burglar loses on his clock increases his chances of being noticed which is good news for the homeowner. We have decided to help out with these four tips to help secure your home or apartment from a home invader.

1. ASSESS YOUR HOME FOR VULNERABILITIES

As a homeowner you must always be alert. Make sure to take note of the things that are a threat to your time, audibility and visibility. Are there any hidden doors or windows out of the line of sight of the neighbours? Also, are there doors or windows that criminals or burglars could easily enter and exit unnoticed from? Are your valuables visible to anyone who might look in your windows and make your home a target for burglary? These and many other questions you must assess and find ways to secure.

2. SECURE THE DOOR FRAMES

To save on cost when it comes to doors, especially those that lead to our bedrooms, a lot of people normally choose frames that are made from cheap material such as pinewood.

As much as that cuts cost, always remember that a burglar’s entry point to the valuables is through the door or the window. For this reason, always ensure that your windows are locked at all times when not home.

Additionally, opt for door frames that are made from good quality material such that it cannot be easily breached if you can afford it. It is a good investment to make. If you cannot afford to change your weak frame, it is advisable to put some of those three inch screws right into the door frame at 6 inch intervals to reinforce them.

3. INSTALL AS MANY EXTERIOR LIGHTS AS YOU CAN

A well lit up area is always for the win. Making sure your house and compound are well lit up is very important. This way, there is yet another thing for the burglar to deal with. Always ensure that these lights are out of reach so criminals do not attempt or have an easy time tampering with or unscrewing the bulbs.

4.  HIDE YOUR VALUABLES. DO NOT KEEP THEM ALL IN ONE PLACE!

Just in case the break-in should happen, you should always be ahead of the burglar! Spot some of the best hiding places in your home and spread out your valuables. Some examples of great hiding are hollow table or chair legs; fake electrical receptacles; inside the armrest of a chair; etc. The general rule is to be security conscious and creative in hiding valuables.

Always remember that, a burglar, once he sets his sights on you as a target, has no mercy, especially not for easy prey. Time and noticeability which is the enemy of a burglar are your friends: do not make your property and valuables easily accessible to the lazy man looking for easy money.

A visit to some of the malls in Accra is ideal if you’re looking to purchase items that will come in handy to protect your home from burglars. We would equally love to learn other means through which you secure your home from ruthless invaders in the comment section.