Our lagging economy has spurned a dramatic increase in burglaries and home invasions across the country, with agencies reporting an increase in 2010 after falling for a number of years. What is especially troubling is that these crimes have increased in the suburbs and small towns - places where it rarely happened before.
"The numbers reflect what we have been hearing from listeners all over the country. The bad economy has caused an increase in crime and it is happening everywhere", says home security expert, Alan Young. Over the past three months, Young has conducted nearly 100 radio interviews, giving listeners tips on how not to become victims of a growing burglary and home invasion epidemic. Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, The Today Show, and The Discovery Channel, as well as numerous local news segments.
Young's common sense approach to home security, which focuses on economical ways to keep from becoming a victim, has suddenly made him a very popular guest for radio show hosts. "It was really interesting to hear his common sense approach to security. I know that it made me think, especially the part about alarm systems…" said Georgianne Kiricoples, host of the "Breaking Through" radio show.
According to Young, there are three keys to making sure that your home is secure. The first is simple, "Use some common sense. Don't post vacation plans on Facebook and don't post vacation photos while still on vacation. Letting the world know that you're not home is an easy way to become a target."
The second key is to make your home a less attractive target than your neighbor's home. Sounds crazy, but according to Young, "If you and your neighbor are being chased by a dog, you don't need to be faster than the dog, just your neighbor. Make your home a less attractive target and thieves will go somewhere else - unless you have something that they really want." Steps to making your home less attractive to burglars include cutting shrubs and properly lighting the inside and outside of your home.
The third key is to secure the exterior of your home. "Most people think about home alarm systems as home security. An alarm simply tells you that someone is inside your house and police response times are often greater than 20 minutes. Alarms are a good addition to your home's security but 85% of all break-ins are through a door. Secure your doors and you greatly increase your likelihood of success against a burglar."
For door security, Young recommends EZ Armor, a $69.00 kit that reinforces the jamb, locks and hinges on an exterior entry door. The kit can be installed in about 30 minutes by a do-it-yourselfer and is guaranteed to help prevent kick-ins. EZ Armor can be purchased at Lowe's, many ACE Hardware stores and online at www.armorconcepts.com. He also recommends upgrading your deadbolt to an ANSI certified Grade 1 lock.
"Security does not need to cost a lot, it just needs to work. Many other home security tips, along with recommendations for what to do after a burglary, can be found at www.armorconcepts.com.
Alan S. Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC. Mr. Young and Armor Concepts have been featured on The CBS Early Show, The Today Show, The Discovery Channel show "It Takes a Thief" and numerous local news segments. Armor Concepts' Door Jamb Armor,
EZ Armor and FIX-A-JAMB products are sold nationally through Lowe's, ACE Hardware, Do-It-Best and on their web site at www.armorconcepts.com.
