Home Security Quiz – Does Your Home Pass the Test?
February 17, 2012
Home security plays an important role in being a responsible renter or homeowner. You work hard to maintain your home so you should also know how to protect it. Is your home as safe as it could be? Are you taking the right precautions to ensure your home is secure? Take this home security quiz to find out.
When is it ok to leave your door unlocked?
a) When I don’t feel like bringing my keys with me.
b) When I walk the dog or go jogging – I’m always within a few blocks of my house.
c) Not the front door, but the back door is ok if I’m expecting a friend to drop something off.
d) Never.
Never leave your door unlocked, not even to run over to a neighbor’s house for a cup of coffee. If you are not in or near your home, you have no way of knowing who could sneak in and out. Not all burglars are after big ticket items like jewelry and TVs. Many thieves sneak in, steal a wallet and phone off the kitchen counter because these items are easier to conceal.
What do burglars look like?
a) They wear black clothes and ski masks.
b) They can wear anything, but they always drive a van.
c) Except for Santa, anyone carrying a large bag is looking to rob a home.
d) They can look like utility workers, the cable guy, a pizza delivery person, a dog walker, etc.
A growing trend among burglars is to dress as ordinary community members – utility workers, petitioners with clipboards, even dog walkers. These disguises allow them to blend into any community without drawing attention to themselves. No one would ever think twice about a contractor’s van parked in your driveway. These disguised burglars can knock on doors or walk around to the backyard of any home, and they seem like they have a reason for being there.
When do burglars strike?
a) Late at night, when everyone is asleep.
b) They wait until homeowners go on vacation.
c) They only steal when the weather is nice outside.
d) Anytime, any season, in any type of weather. Burglars like to steal during the day when most people are at work.
Statistics show that more than 2/3 of burglaries take place during the day. Neighborhoods are emptier during the day since most residents are at work, school, or running errands. You may not realize it, but you probably have a predictable routine, leaving the house at 7 or 8am, and not returning home until 5 or 6pm. A savvy burglar can scope out a neighborhood and observe which homes will be empty all day long.
What is the most effective crime deterrent?
a) A home security system will scare away burglars.
b) Leaving a porch light on and adding security lighting around your home.
c) Trimming trees and shrubs so windows and doors are visible.
d) Locking all doors and windows whenever no one is at home.
e) All of the above.
Preventing crime isn’t about finding one home security measure; it’s about using multiple crime deterrents on a regular basis. The more obstacles you put in their way, the less likely your home will be targeted.
Looking for more answers? Check out our Home Security Cheat Sheet.
