Why Most Residents Don't Follow Home Security Advice - Security Expert Jordan Frankel Addresses 5 Common Reasons Residents Don't Follow Home Security Advice

Every day dozens of reports about residential burglaries, home invasions, and other property crimes make their way into news broadcasts. As sad as these tragedies are, even more sad is knowing that many of these crimes could have been prevented had the residents followed the home security advice provided by security experts like myself.

There are many reasons why most residents don't follow home security advice. The following are a few of the most common reasons and why you should avoid making these same mistakes.

Expert Answers to the Common Reasons Residents Don't Follow Home Security Advice

Reason #1: Keeping my doors and windows closed and locked when I'm home isn't reasonable. I want to be able to enjoy my home and let some fresh air in through my windows and screen doors.

Home security is about liberating yourself and your family, increasing your awareness of potential crimes that can occur in your neighborhood, and taking the necessary steps to decrease your risks.

Enjoying some fresh air through a window or door while you're home doesn't mean you have to leave yourself vulnerable to potential intruders. Some of the ways you can decrease your risks while enjoying the outdoor air are as follows:

  • Open only those windows in the room you are occupying and can easily see. Keep all other ground-level windows and doors closed and locked, as well as vulnerable second-floor windows and entryways that can be accessed by way of a nearby tree, fence, wall, carport, or balcony.

  • Place metal rods or similar devices in window tracks to limit how far they can be opened.

  • Install glass protection film on the interior of all vulnerable window panes and sliding doors to prevent the glass from being easily broken by an intruder.

  • Replace flimsy screen doors with steel security screen doors that swing outward.

  • Ensure your home is equipped with a security alarm with panic buttons in the rooms you spend the most time in.

Reason #2: I keep my doors and windows locked at all times. I think that's enough.

Today's crime statistics go to show why relying on locked doors and windows as the only means of home security is a huge mistake. According to the most recent data collected by the FBI on property crimes in the U.S., approximately 60% of today's burglaries involve forcible entry through a locked door or window.

But burglaries aren't the only crimes you have to worry about. There are criminals who are much more brazen and seek out residents while they are home so they can use them to gain quicker access to money and other valuables. These types of crimes are known as home invasions and often involve violence and other scare tactics that leave residents scarred for life.

To see just how easily a locked door can be kicked in, watch this OnGARD security door brace demonstration. As this video shows, the standard locks and jams of today's entry doors are not designed to resist the brute force of an intruder. Reinforcing your entry doors with an OnGARD security door brace is an effective and affordable way to secure your home against an intruder.

Reason #3: I don't see how motion-activated lights are going to stop someone from breaking into my home. If I need to keep a light on, my porch light will do.

With the majority of burglaries and other property crimes occurring in the dark of night, it's important to understand how to deter criminals.

While it's true that motion-activated lights cannot prevent someone from physically breaking into your home, they can have a very powerful psychological effect and deter potential intruders. Unlike a porch light, motion-activated security lights serve as a warning to intruders that you are not naïve. You are aware of the threats of crime and you are likely to have more home security devices in place to protect your property.

When a bright light suddenly shines down on a thug lurking in the dark, it has a startle effect that heightens apprehension and fear. In many cases, this is enough to cause a criminal to retreat, as often times the criminal will view the risks of breaking into your home far greater than the perceived benefits.

The more intense your outdoor security lighting is, the more effective it will be at startling and deterring criminals. The STARTLE LED light is one of the brightest and most intimidating outdoor security lights manufactured. Its infrared motion-detection technology also makes it much better at distinguishing between a small animal and the presence of a person or vehicle than other outdoor security lights.

Reason #4: Most burglaries and home invasions occur in bad neighborhoods where gangs, drugs, and crime are a big problem. I don't have to worry about that stuff where I live.

Burglaries and home invasions happen everywhere—including in upscale neighborhoods that are considered safe. The recent home invasion that occurred in the upper middle-class neighborhood of Evergreen in San Jose, California is a perfect example.

Like many homeowners, the victims of this crime fell prey to their false sense of security and left their sliding glass door unlocked while they were home. The last thing they expected was for two armed intruders to enter their home in broad daylight. But as the ABC7News report goes to show, that's exactly what happened, and the homeowners and their children were lucky to survive the terrorizing crime unharmed.

Reason #5: I can't afford a home alarm or other security devices.

Telling yourself you can't afford to protect your home and your family can be a huge mistake. According to the FBI's Uniform Crime Report, over 2 million burglaries occur in the United States each year, and approximately 74% are residential burglaries. The average loss suffered by a victim of burglary is over $2200. That combined with the peace of mind that victims lose after a stranger rummages through their personal belongings far outweighs the cost of a few strategically placed home security devices.

Home security doesn't have to be expensive to be effective. There are a number of affordable yet highly effective home security devices that you can put in place today for less than $500.00. The majority of these products also only require a one-time investment. Home security devices such as the OnGARD Security Door Brace and BurglarGARD Window Protection Film are perfect examples. When paired together, residents often have all they need to stop intruders in their tracks.

If money is tight, purchase one security device at a time as your budget allows. Begin with the most important devices, which are those that are designed to make entering through a locked door or window extremely difficult. At the very least, these devices will provide you with the time you or a family member needs to call 911 and seek safety.

Let Go of the Excuses and Follow Today's Expert Home Security Advice

As a security expert with two decades of experience working alongside our U.S. military, law enforcement agencies, and everyday citizens, I understand the dangers that lurk within each and every community. Residents who choose to turn a blind eye to those dangers and leave their home unprotected suffer dearly for it. Don't make this mistake!

Nothing is as important as the safety and security of you and your family. If you have yet to secure your residence against intruders, let go of your excuses and follow the advice of a home security expert who knows—you can't afford to leave your home unprotected.

Jordan Frankel, commonly known as The Security Sensei develops revolutionary security products and solutions that protect both lives & property. Countless agencies and corporations such as NASDAQ, the US Military, and law enforcement entrust Mr. Frankel with their security and safety. Jordan Frankel is also frequent media guest addressing the personal and financial consequences associated with home invasions, burglaries and other serious threats. In addition, Mr. Frankel's security products & inventions have been featured on Oprah, FOX news and in countless publications. Jordan's ability to outsmart the proverbial bad guys - coupled with his commitment to making security an affordable reality for everyone is the key to Global Security Experts Inc success. Mr. Frankel (The Security Sensei) is available for media interviews by appointment only.

Mr. Frankel is a proud member of:

The American Society for Industrial Security.

The International Association for Counter Terrorism & Security.

The Society of Professional Locksmiths.

www.globalsecurityexperts.com