Fortunately for us, the two men trying to jimmy the deadbolts were skittish and ran off when I yelled at them. However, this experience has gotten me motivated to look at what we can all do to try and deter unwelcome intruders. For those of us without the latest high-tech security systems already installed, there are still things we can do to make our homes safer. First of all, the front door -- and the back door, if there is one -- should have a peephole that is at the proper level so that all the members of the household can see out of it. If someone is outside your door, you need to know who it is before opening up. Chain locks are not going to keep someone out of your house. All it takes is a good kick and the screws holding the chain to the doorframe will pop right out. There are solid, heavy latches available that allow the door to be ajar but offer much more security than a simple chain. Deadlocks are a must but, to make sure the door is equally stable on both sides, you should have the deadbolts lined up directly across from each door hinge. If you have French doors or sliding glass doors, you might consider having steel grates installed in front of them for added security, or have them hooked up to an alarm system. Solid steel doors and steel grates in front of doors are popular throughout Turkey. However, even though you have a firm front door, other areas of access need to be checked out too.
Open windows on lower floors often act as an invitation to potential thieves. Grilles on the windows are good to have to deter crime but they should also be able to be opened in case of emergency. Some have spring locks that can only be opened from the inside and some can be secured with a padlock but, if you have the latter, make sure to keep the key in an easily accessible place inside, but out of reach from the window. Metal pins can quickly be added to window frames. The pins will not allow the window to open at all and are useful if you are away on vacation. There are also battery-operated alarms that can be installed on windows that emit a piercing sound, which can be a good deterrent.
If your apartment or home has doors on the ground or garden level, motion detector lights are a good investment. However, if the lights are next to a bedroom window you might want to invest in dark colored curtains to filter the light if there are animals that trip the lights often. Also, it is important to check the light bulbs regularly and replace any that are burnt out immediately. If there are bushes near windows or the door, keep them trimmed to waist level so that they are less likely to shield intruders. Lock gates and fences, even when you are at home. And -- hopefully we do not need to be reminded of this -- never leave a ladder laying in the yard. Put it away in a secure place when not in use.
The presence of a dog or two often makes thieves think twice. If you can't afford the food bill for a Kangal hound, even a small yappy dog will often do the trick. Burglars are hoping to make the least amount of noise possible and a barking dog is not a welcome sight. However, you should bear in mind that many Turks are afraid of all dogs, big and small, and in addition to turning away thieves, a dog may scare away deliverymen you are waiting for.
If you are going away for even a short holiday, be careful who you discuss your plans with. If you have newspapers or mail delivered to your home, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to collect them for you. Consider putting some lamps in the house on timers so that they go on and off at different intervals, giving the appearance of someone being at home. And, if you do have an alarm system, make sure you turn it on when you leave. I know that sounds simple, but many people install the latest systems and then forget to use them.
If a burglar does manage to get into your house, he will usually head to the bedroom first, because that is where most people keep their valuables. Many of us have our jewelry boxes in plain sight on top of the dresser. Dresser drawers, particularly the underwear drawer, are the classic places for people to store cash and other valuables. Closets in the master bedroom are also one of the first places a thief will look. Nightstands next to the beds are also popular places that they will rifle through quickly. So, if you have valuables at home, it might pay off to think creatively about where to store them. But don't get so creative in the hiding place that you forget how to find them. Simple as that sounds, people have been known to forget where their latest hiding place is.
Burglars are looking for homes that they can get in and out of quickly. If they think it will take more than a few seconds to gain entry to your house or apartment, they may well move on. There really isn't any guaranteed way to keep burglars at bay. If someone is bound and determined to gain access to your home, they will quite probably find a way to do so. Security systems, while good, can often lull people into a false sense of security. It's best to keep aware of your surroundings and look for ways that you can up your home's security.
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