When it comes to home security, many people erroneously believe that windows on the second floor are a no-go zone for burglars. However, it’s this misconception that actually makes the second story of a home the perfect target, with people leaving windows open and balcony doors unlocked, thinking that it’s perfectly safe to do so. Just because the second floor looks out of reach, it doesn’t mean it is out of reach for a determined thief.
This article focuses on securing your second storey and why it’s such a vulnerable point in your home’s security.
Inside the mindset of a burglar
Burglars very rarely do a one-off robbery. For a typical thief, breaking into homes and businesses is a regular gig, and they often spend a lot of time scoping out the most vulnerable targets. A thief wants to be in and out as quickly as possible and to go undetected. Therefore, they’ll look for weaknesses to make their job easier.
The first thing a burglar will look for is a home with no security system. They also target homes that appear to be unoccupied or poorly lit. Thieves often prefer to work under the cover of darkness. If the home is a two-storey place, they’ll likely check the windows and doors on the ground floor first. If these are locked, the second level becomes very appealing. If the burglar has done their homework on a particular two-storey home, they’ll already be aware of whether the windows and doors on the second floor are usually left unlocked.
Gaining access to the second floor
Many burglars are very experienced, and they’ve honed their craft. A practised thief will have little trouble accessing unlocked doors and windows on the second floor. Here are some common ways they can gain access to a home’s second floor:
- If trees are located near the home, a burglar can easily climb one to the second floor.
- Fences that adjoin the house also make getting to the second storey readily accessible.
- Garbage bins, such as a wheelie bin, can also be used to climb onto the roof below a second-floor balcony or window.
- A seasoned thief may even bring along their own ladder.
Now that we’ve established that the second floor is not immune to break-ins, let’s look at some practical ways that you can protect this part of your home.
Keep second-floor windows and doors locked
Why make it easy for a burglar? Keep those windows and doors locked on the second floor, particularly if the rooms are unoccupied for a time. That’s not to suggest you can never open second-storey doors and windows. Just don’t be in the habit of leaving them unlocked and unattended. An accomplished thief will watch a house for a time, and they’ll take note of the fact that you keep second-floor doors and windows closed.
Door and window locks
Rather than simply relying on the window and door locks that come standard when manufactured, it’s wise to invest in locks that are a little more robust. Adding deadbolts to upstairs windows and doors not only makes it infinitely harder for a thief to gain access, but their mere presence will likely repel a thief.
Install security screens and doors
This is common practice for ground-floor doors and windows, but if you want to ensure your home is fully secure, installing security screens and doors on the top floor is also essential. The mere fact that your house is protected in this way is usually enough to deter a burglar. They’ll consider your home a hard target and search for somewhere easier. The more difficult you make their job, the better.
Make access to the second floor harder
It may not always be possible, especially if your fence butts up against the house, but there are some things you can do to make gaining access to the second storey more difficult. For example, if there is a large tree growing near the home that a thief could climb, have it trimmed back or removed completely. Also, don’t leave ladders or other climbable objects in your backyard.
Get a dog
Whether your pet spends time inside the home or remains outside, there is nothing better than a dog to sound an alert if someone untoward is lurking about. We’re all aware that dogs of all breeds have superior hearing and sense of smell, and they’ll kick up a fuss if they detect something they don’t like.
CCTV cameras
If you protect your home with a series of CCTV cameras, chances are high that a thief won’t even bother coming near your house. However, it’s just as important to install several cameras to protect the upper level as well as the ground floor. You can monitor your home remotely when you’re out or away, and the other advantage is that the cameras will record vital evidence if your home does become a target for determined thieves.
Install a home security system
Installing alarms in your house is your best defence against burglars and break-ins. Once again, it’s just as important to protect the upper floor with an alarm and not just the bottom floor. Thieves really avoid targeting homes that are protected by an alarm system and to let them know that you have one installed, you can place signs on your fences and doors stating that the house is protected by a state-of-the-art home security system.
Secure your home with Casa Security
When you browse Casa Security’s website, you’ll discover that our comprehensive services cover just about everything you need to ensure the safety of your home and its occupants. We specialise in installing CCTV cameras, door access control systems, residential alarm systems, pet-friendly alarms and much more. Why make things easy for thieves? We’ll help you protect your home on all floors, not just the ground floor, so contact us today.