Robert Siciliano shows how burglars exploit common home vulnerabilities like basement windows, unlocked garages, and reachable ladders. He recommends security laminate on windows, upgraded deadbolts, alarm stickers, and removing tools that give thieves easy access.
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Think your house is safe and secure? Don't be so sure. 7 shows you just how easy it is for bad guys to break in and the security secrets that will make burglars keep out. That's just minutes away.
Sure, we want our homes to be inviting, but are they too inviting? Without realizing it, your home could be an open invitation to burglars. The 19's Philipoff sees what it takes to keep thieves out.
Two Massachusetts homes on quiet streets. Bets Beth spent hundreds on an alarm system to secure her home, and Jim installed security lights around his. Both homeowners say they feel safe.
This is an area that we don't have too many problems. That's the most important, I think, to have a secure home for your family.
But what they don't know is they could be putting out the welcome mat for thieves.
You have to think like a burglar.
Personal security expert Robert Siciliano can case a house just the way a real-life burglar can.
This is pretty much easy access.
We asked him how a crook would try to get into both houses. At Beth's, he found what he calls a thief's best friend: a basement window big enough for someone to sneak in.
There's no houses or anybody that can actually see what's going on, and using a log like this would break right through.
But he says don't just look down. Thieves can hit higher up as well, using patio furniture or trash cans as stairs.
And then once you shimmy your way up, you've got windows up on the second floor. If they're not locked, you're in.
I didn't even think of that. Our expert says if you're having work done on your house, don't leave ladders or tools lying around. A ladder will allow a thief to get to the second floor. Tools can certainly be used to pry open a window, making it that much easier for a thief to break in. At Jim's, a garage door could be an open invitation to danger.
You can clearly see that that garage door is not locked, which allows you to simply open the door and walk in.
And the deadbolt on Jim's front door needs to have a keyhole on the inside, not just a knob.
Breaking through this glass right here and reaching through, and they are in without much resistance.
Siciliano says there are some cheap and easy things to do to secure any home. He recommends putting security laminate on all windows. Here's a window without the laminate. Here's one with it. It costs about $60 a window to install. Even if you don't have a dog, get a big dog bowl and put it outside along with "Beware of Dog" signs.
This is a layer of protection.
If you can't afford a security system, you can still order generic alarm stickers at local sign stores and put them around around your house and never put your name on the outside of your home.
Burglars see the name on the house, they call 411, they know what city they're in, and they get that phone number, they make the phone call to see if you're home.
Both of our homeowners say they're now making changes. Jim plans to upgrade his deadbolts and add an alarm system.
I think we will go ahead and get one.
And Beth will install a better deadbolt on her front door too.
We are going to get that fixed right away.
Bill Lipoff, 7 News.
And one more thing, if you're planning on going away, our expert says to unplug your garage door opener because many thieves can use a hacked garage door remote to open up your door.
