According to the Bureau of Justice, 18–19 year-olds experience the highest rates of home burglary across the country. On average, renters experience a higher rate of home burglary than homeowners. You can significantly reduce your risk of home burglary by practicing prevention and deterrence. 

How to Prevent Home Burglaries  

1. The majority of home burglars enter homes through unlocked windows or doors without using force. You can prevent home burglaries before they occur simply by keeping your doors and windows locked at all times. 
2. Don’t open the door for people you don’t know. Burglars sometimes pose as salespeople or come to your door to ask you a question for the sole purpose of seeing what is inside your house. Once they do, they might return later in the night to complete the home burglary. 
3. Burglars use social media to target victims. You will invite a home burglary if you publicly advertise that no one is home. Never advertise on social media that you are away from your home.  
4. Don’t give your personal financial information to anyone.  Door-to-door salespeople may want your personal and financial information and will use high-pressure tactics to get that information. Once they have your information, they can commit fraud and empty your bank account, and destroy your credit.  Even “legitimate” companies can abuse door-to-door sales to lock you into a bad contract. Contact Student Legal Services for assistance reviewing any consumer agreement or if you think you’ve been the victim of fraud or identity theft. 
5. If you plan to leave your home for vacation or break, make sure your mail service is temporarily held. Accumulating mail is a sure sign that nobody is home.  To temporarily hold your mail, visit holdmail.usps.com. 
6. If you are away from your home for any amount of time, keep your exterior lights on and use a safety timer for your indoor lights. A burglar is less likely to attempt a home burglary if bright lights expose the burglar to the public. 
7. A burglar also is less likely to target a home that looks like it is occupied. A safety timer can turn your interior lights on and off throughout the night to give the appearance that someone is home. Free safety timers are available for students at 3106 Ohio Union. 
8. Audible alarms can deter burglars from attempting to gain entry into your home. Window and door alarms are powerful deterrence devices that create a loud ringing sound when triggered. A burglar is less likely to enter a home when a loud alarm alerts residents and neighbors of the burglar’s presence. Free window and door alarms are available for students at 3106 Ohio Union. Register for safety devices from our office here. 
9. A security system can alert residents and the authorities when a burglar attempts to gain entry into your home. A burglar is less likely to continue with the burglary if an audible alarm alerts residents and the police of the burglar’s presence. You should consider a home security system if you do not have one. If a security system is already installed in your rental property, you may want to consider activating it. 
10. Some home security systems double as smoke alarm systems. If you have a dual security and fire alarm system, not only will the security system alert authorities if it detects a break-in, it will notify the fire department in the event of a fire as well. For additional information about fire safety, read about how you can enhance your home fire safety. 
11. Renters insurance is financial protection that can cover property loss in the event of theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and damage caused as a result of fire, flood, or other disasters. Renters insurance is a low-cost insurance option that can cover your personal belongings year-round. Student Legal Services offers Ohio State students a number of different resources in regards to renters insurance.