This content was created by Robert Siciliano. This content was uploaded by Robert Siciliano. This is a YouTube video (Fox 25 News segment titled "Home Security and Burglary Prevention, Robert Siciliano www.IDTheftSecurity.com") from May 11, 2009. The excerpt is a news report about rising burglaries and how homeowners can theft-proof their homes. Participants include local reporters/interviewers, burglary victim Stephen Gaffney, and Boston-based security expert Robert Siciliano, who provides practical tips (use timers/lights, leave a TV on, secure doors and windows, deadbolts and peepholes, monitored alarms, remove ladders, don’t announce vacations, etc.).
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More local homes are becoming targets for thieves. A local security expert reveals simple ways to theft-proof your home tonight on Fox 25 News at 10.
According to the FBI, a burglar enters a U.S.
home every 11 seconds, so the numbers are on the rise thanks in large part to our down economy. Two go hand in hand— tough times pushing people to the brink. So what's a homeowner to do? How about a little primer on how to theft-proof your home?
While our economy The economy flounders, another business is flourishing.
If the economy goes bad, you're going to see property crime go up.
It certainly has in Lawrence. Violent crime is down across the board, but burglaries are up 58% this past year. It's all about making a quick buck, and I mean quick.
They'll be in and out of your house within a matter of seconds. They're going to grab whatever they can, you know, in the way of electronic equipment, and they'll be out the door.
I had yelled up to him, what are you doing? What's going on?
Stephen Gaffney of Pelham, New Hampshire knows oh too well.
He left his home for 20 minutes only to come home to this mess.
His back slider destroyed while his TV, DVD player, and video game boxes were being marched out of his home. He caught the guy red-handed and got this song and dance.
He was telling me that he's having a tough time. He's 7 months behind on his child support payments.
80% of all Americans at some point in time will become a victim of some type of a theft.
Robert Siciliano is a Boston-based security expert, and he says to catch a thief You have to think like a thief.
Criminals absolutely are looking for the path of least resistance. They're looking for people who aren't paying attention. They're looking for, uh, homes that aren't effectively or properly secured.
Siciliano's North Shore home is a fortress.
These lights come on as soon as it's dark. Lights are on. This is like Fenway Park back here.
They are all triggered by a timer, both outside and in. And how about that TV?
I always leave a TV on while I'm gone because that obviously gives the impression that this there's somebody in the house. Even if you go to the store for 5 minutes, it's absolutely necessary to close and lock your windows. Access control is absolutely important. Here we have a solid metal door. This is a fireproof door with no windows, so no one can break any windows, reach around and open up. Additionally, there's a doorknob lock, also a deadbolt, and this door also has a peephole. This is the most secure door you could possibly have for residents.
An alert dog? That's a bonus. Complete with signage. And this NRA sticker? Well, that doesn't hurt either.
Having a National Rifle Association sticker gives the impression that Granny's inside in a rocking chair with a shotgun waiting to attack.
We've all got a spare ladder sitting around the house for projects and such, but I got news for you.
This is a big no-no. Because guess what? I just got access to the second floor.
A monitored alarm system is paramount. For a couple of hundred dollars and a nominal monthly fee, you can secure your home and link it to law enforcement. And that's not just the doors, every window too. And finally, keep your yard shipshape. No garbage or overstuffed mailbox, especially if you're on vacation. Let your neighbor and local police know you're out of town, but don't advertise.
Do not announce it to the world that you're heading out on vacation. Don't announce on your Facebook page that you're going to Mexico for the week.
Just remember, you can never do too much to be safe, especially in our economy.
That is true.
And Robert Siciliano Wanted me to remind you, if you have a security system, make sure you use it.
So many people leave home to run an errand or something, forget to set their alarm. That's when the bad things happen. Much more information on theft-proofing your home, go to our website, myfoxboston.com, and click on special reports. I also blogged about it, so take a peek.
