The Summer Burglar – When the sun is out so is he.

There is no doubt that the long lazy days of summer perk us all up and put a smile on our faces. No doubt either that the burglar is also perked up by summer because it is the season that many homeowners make things so easy for him.

The summer warmth means that it is time to open up the windows and let the breeze blow through the house. After all you are at home so what risk is there in opening up a window or two?

Unfortunately many a homeowner has suddenly made the decision to take advantage of the weather to go out back and attend to a spell of gardening, forgetting that the windows at the front of the house are open.

Along comes Mr. Opportunist burglar. It does not take him long to size up the situation and see his opportunity. He may not even need to climb in through the window, he sees a couple of your items that are close, reaches in and takes them. The thief is not particularly looking for a rich haul, just something he can sell on to a fence to get him his fix for the day.

If the opportunist burglar does climb into your home and rummage through your stuff, you will be unlikely to hear him; you are preoccupied with tending to your gladioli and hollyhocks.

Worse than leaving windows open and working in the back yard is making a trip to the store and leaving open windows. You are not safe by leaving upstairs windows open. Some burglars are very agile and it is no problem for them to climb on top of your garage, take your ladder from out of your shed, or find some way to get in the window.

Burglars have also been known to climb in the open window of one room while the family sat in front of the TV in another room, no doubt with the sound turned up just that little bit too loud.

Consider fitting window alarm screens. That way you can enjoy air blowing through your home and still enjoy a good degree of burglary protection. (You should not leave your home with the windows open even with alarm screens.)

Theft from gardens increases during summer months. This is not surprising as we forget to secure things away after we have used them. Locking gardening equipment in your shed when you finish will help keep the thief out of your garden.

Summer is vacation time, the great get-away. And that means more opportunity for the burglar. Before you leave for the big trip arrange with a neighbor that you trust to keep your lawns cut and your garden tidy.

Ask you neighbor to pick up your mail and any flyers left in your porch, perhaps your neighbor can park his or her car in your drive for part of the day. The idea is to make your home appear occupied.

Timer switches are not expensive and can be set to make a good job of switching on and off lights, TV sets and radios in a pattern that simulates the activities of a family at home. Exterior lights should also be controlled by a timer or motion sensor. Test and activate your alarm system before you head off and have your home phone divert to your cell phone.

The longer summer days, in some neighborhoods, mean an increase of gangs and groups of teenagers hanging around street corners. Most of these youngsters mean no harm but sometimes can get a little rowdy. For others the longer days mean increased vandalism and petty crime. Not much you can do on your own, but by being an active member of your neighborhood watch you help prevent things getting out of hand.

Enjoy the summer, it is over much too soon, just take simple precautions to prevent the burglar from enjoying his summer too much.

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