Amy's Orlando Real Estate Blog

I came across this interesting article in the Washington Post recently called “Anatomy of a Burglary,” which reveals some fascinating statistics about break-ins, including a few ways to protect your valuables and deter thieves.  Some interesting facts:

· Most burglaries occur between 10AM and 3PM.

· The typical house burglar is a male teenager who lives within a couple of miles of your home.

· Burglars spend on an average between 8 and 12 minutes inside your home.

Not only did the graphic detail the most common entry points for a burglar, but it also offered these helpful tips for protecting your home:

· A home with a security system is 3 times less likely to be broken into than a home without a security system. (Even if you don’t have one, buying the stickers for them can deter an amateur.)

· Consider alternatives to the master bedroom for hiding valuables. It’s the first place most burglars go.

· Burglars want to spend fewer than 60 seconds breaking in. Anything you can do to lengthen that time will increase the likelihood they’ll pass on your house.

· The appearance of an unoccupied home is what typically attracts burglars. Not bringing the garbage cans back up a few days after trash day can be a big sign you’re not around.

For a detailed look at the article, visit the Washington Post site here:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/artsandliving/homeandgarden/features/2007/burglary-070507/graphic.html

Protect your home and your valuables. Common sense is often enough to keep you from becoming a victim. And remember to keep an inventory of your possessions for insurance purposes.

Quality of your neighborhood got you nervous? Looking to move to a nicer zip code? I’d be glad to help you find a safer home.   Call me today, Amy Hodges, at 407-252-7049.