In my 18 years of experience, seeing it again and again, it's still heart-trenching to meet people who just got their homes compromised, or businesses broken into, and all of their valuables, heirlooms, or commercial assets stolen; not to mention, anyone incurring a physical injury or even worse!
We have compiled a list of the most wanted items by burglars and thieves. We call it the: "The Burglar's Holiday Wish List", because it's exactly the wish list that they want to put their hands on!
The Holiday Season is the most common time that residents and business are being broken into. Many of us are on vacation and out of our homes.
On many occasions our premises lack the most basic security features that can deter burglars from even attempting to break-in.
Burglars look for the easiest entries. In many homes and businesses there are many of these. They prefer these over the more challenging places where security features are more obvious, and where the owners went the extra mile to secure their places.
In the holiday season, businesses are more vulnerable as well. This is due to a combination of factors: many businesses are closing for longer periods of times and others have more business with fewer employees to help! But, there seems to always be more chaos with a more difficult to control environment.
Even though it is “the season to be jolly”; for many of us it's really the season to be a bit more stressed out!
Deterrence is the number one most important factor in security, it's better to prevent crime than it is to be targeted by those who mean you harm.
And, most importantly, securing your valuables goes hand-in-hand with securing your family and loved ones, which is a basic requirement all year round.
At the end of the day, we all agree that the most important things in life are our families, friends, employees, and coworkers.
Better be Safe than Sorry!
I highly recommend to assess your personal security level at home and business and to strengthen your vulnerable points around you home and business.
This can be done by you, or professionally assessed, but be sure to at least take the most basic steps mentioned below!
Unfortunately for some of us, this isn't "the season of giving"! Some people are only thinking about what they can take!
"The Burglar's Holiday Wish List"
Here are the most stolen items you should secure and keep an eye on this holiday season, followed by a list of tips and tactics you can apply, so that you, your family and loved ones can have a safe and happy holiday season:
• Iphones • LapTops • IPads • IPods • Smart Phones •
• Game Consoles • Digital Video Cameras • Entertainment Systems •
• Cash • Wallets • Purses • Jewelry • Car Keys •
• Personal info for identity Theft: Old Computer Hard Drives •
• Credit Cards • Old Documents • Business cards •
• Sensitive photos and Videos •
• Keys • Tools • Prescription Drugs •
How to stay safe this holiday season:
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.
Protect Your Home while you’re Away. Burglary Defense Tips:
Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
During an extended vacation, make arrangements to have someone mow your lawn or trim your bushes.
Notify your local police department that you will be away.
Ask a neighbor or friend to stop by your house periodically; have them open and close blinds, turn on different lights.
Let your neighbors know when you are leaving and when you plan to return home and if you are expecting anybody at your house while you are away.
Burglars want easy access to your home. Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed near all doors and windows where intruders might hide. Add exterior lights and consider lights that are activated by motion sensors.
Burglars like to work quickly, so try to slow down their path into and around the house. You can accomplish this with:
high quality deadbolt locks
high quality window locks
bars placed in the tracks or track locks on all sliding glass doors and windows (if they would not impede your escape in an emergency)
high quality locks on all doors and windows
Security Cameras with online remote viewing, (prices are very reasonable these days), or at least a "dummy" one (suggested only for private residences.)
Don't place the fact that you are gone on your telephone answering machine.
Don't broadcast the fact that you'll be away on Twitter, Facebook, any social media pages, in your blog or anywhere else on the Internet.
Don't hide your keys on your property.
A nosy neighbor is a burglar's worst enemy. Get to know your neighbors and work out an arrangement to watch each other’s houses. Let them know when you will be gone and whether any deliveries are expected during your absence.
Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe hiding place, such as a safety deposit box or a bolted down safe.
Go through each room and write down a list of possessions, including serial numbers. Take pictures of your valuables and keep them in a safe place or with a friend or relative. This will help in the event of a burglary.
Source: LAPD Crime Prevention Section
Remember also to change or "Re-Key" your locks to make sure that no one has a copy of the key to your home or office!
Wishing you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season!
Avi Ben David
Professor Security
Feel free to give me a call on my direct Nr. 818-980-1241 Ext. 7010
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