I live in a small country town and the last thing I think about is security however when I visit my parents in Darwin I am still taken back by every single home having a 6ft high fence and a yapping dog running the fence that may or may not leave the yard. It then always astounds me that I make that automatic switch of locking doors, windows and making sure the gates are closed behind us just hours into arriving.
Personally, I have this theory if someone wants something from me they will take it so whats the point of locking myself in. I have dogs and if that’s not enough deterrent I am a buggered whether I had locked my door or not so when I came across some research I was keen to read it.
The study took place after paying one “reformed” burglar (who just in fact was encapsidated to a wheelchair so not able to continue his occupation anymore) to interview 87 male and 18 female thieves to why they break into homes, which home and what deters them.
All most all with the exception of seven answered they broke into homes was for money. Now before you think it’s for food to feed a hoard load of children most reported it was for keeping the party going, getting their next hit or keeping their appearance and ‘respect levels’ up. Of the seven who said they committed it for the fun and thrill said it made them feel better about themselves, they felt like somebody.
The fear of getting caught did not deter them. Most believed in fate; whether they got caught was out of their control. Pangs of conscience did not discourage them. Some even held the belief that many of the victims welcomed the thefts as a chance to replace old equipment hence why punishment doesn’t deter them.
Selecting a home was done by watching it over time and the appearance of the home. Beautiful yard means you like nice things. Neighborhood Watch’ signs failed to discourage most offenders because many of the offenders knew these neighborhoods and were not threatened by the signs. Decals warning of burglar alarms nor door locks were of much use either. By the time a thief reached the front door, he was committed to the crime. For some burglars, alarms and elaborate locks indicated there was something inside worth stealing. However always keep the alarm key pad out of sight don’t have installed by the front door in sight especially if it’s a glass paneled door.
Many of burglars approached a residence in the guise of workmen. Masquerading as carpenters, house painters, service technicians, or delivery men. One female offender took her young children along, reasoning that a woman with the kids would not attract undue suspicion. Most burglars wore dark, nondescript clothing and affected a calm outward appearance so as not to attract attention.
Ninety percent of the burglars always avoided occupied residences, not out of a concern for the safety of the occupants (most were willing to use violence if necessary), but because occupied dwellings were considered high risk. Many burglars knew the residents and therefore, wanted to make sure they were not recognized. They checked for occupancy by knocking on doors or calling on the phone. If someone answered the door, they usually pretended they were searching for a friend’s house but had the wrong address. They avoided homes with dogs inside (research shows also that having a dog live within the home protects better also be aware of the difference between watch and guard dogs) and with ‘nosey’ neighbors and said a loud TV’s deterred them (I have heard of Tv timer gadgets but couldn’t find any at the time of writing this).
About seven percent of the burglars preferred to search the premises at a leisurely pace. These thieves knew the schedule of the occupants, and when they were likely to return home. Researchers interpreted this behavior not only as ensuring the burglars got everything of value but, more tellingly, as taking total control of the victim’s living space. “Like teenagers left alone for the weekend by their parents, most simply helped themselves to whatever alcohol or food was available and took pleasure in not having to clean up afterwards.”
Some of the burglars quit after searching the bedroom, preferring a quick exit. Most, however, headed for the kitchen, not in search of appliances, but of money and jewelry. Burglars were aware that many people like to keep cash stuffed in the freezer or jewelry in a mayonnaise jar in the refrigerator. The bathroom and medicine cabinet were then hit, mostly in the search of drugs and cash. Burglars usually skipped the children’s room, believing very little items of value were stored there. The last room searched was the living room. Many burglars shunned large appliances like televisions because of the risk of being seen leaving the premises with large bulky objects in their hands. Attempting a safe only became an option if they could lift and take it with them.
My advice keep your car keys by your bedside table of a night. If you hear a bump in the night set the alarm button off until you can call for help.
xx Deb.
