Did you know that the majority of vandalism cases happen during the day? This means that even if you’re home, your property is susceptible to graffiti or break-ins. If you’re a business owner, an unattended store front is also vulnerable to vandalism, especially if parts of the building are hidden from traffic. At Miller DKI, we've handled mild vandalism clean-up, which requires cleaning and painting, and more problematic vandalism repair including replacing drywall and broken glass.
If your car, home, or business has been the target of vandalism, we can help! Don’t let broken windows or graffiti make you feel helpless: You can take comfort in knowing that Miller DKI will repair the damage and make you feel secure again. Vandalism isn’t always preventable, but there are ways you can help minimize the risk to your property.
How to Reduce the Threat of Vandalism
If you live in an area that’s prone to vandalism or have had your sense of security shattered from a recent break-in, we want to share three DIY techniques you can use to help discourage vandalism. Although many of these tips work best for your home, you can always use them to help protect your business, too.
1. Maintain a well-lit exterior
Did you know that the position of your lights can deter potential trespassers away from your property? Consider the set-up of your outdoor lights to determine where you may need to install more. If you own a store in a plaza, you may want to talk to your landlord to discuss how to increase visibility using pot lights. For homeowners, why not position a few lights around the side of your house? Since most homes have lights near the front door, hanging additional lights is a cost-friendly option, and most home hardware stores, or department stores, offer a wide variety of styles to choose from. Mix and match designer fixtures with motion sensor lights to help ward off intruders.
A poorly lit property allows vandals to sneak around unnoticed. A motion-sensor light can startle them into thinking they’re being watched. Intruders won’t find the visibility very welcoming, but you will!
2. Installing a camera
Security cameras aren’t just for businesses, malls, or airports; there are many affordable DIY camera options available for your home! Security cameras are relatively simple to install on your own, and can be propped up on tables, placed on a wall with adhesive tape, or attached using a drill. If you feel confident that you can position the camera(s) on your own, you’ll also save on the cost of hiring a professional to do it for you. Place security cameras at all your building’s entrances, and consider the camera angle, too. Your surveillance cameras can be adjusted to provide you with either a large or small field of view depending on where you place them. There are also a variety of doorbell cameras that homeowners can use, too.
Nowadays, most cameras let you stream footage onto your laptop or smartphone so that you can keep an eye on your place no matter where you are. It’s a good idea to keep cameras in plain sight so that trespassers know they’re being watched.
3. Solid exterior doors with newer locks and windows that lock from the inside
According to Reader’s Digest, most burglars enter buildings right through the front door! Locking your doors and windows is the best defense against property damage and theft to your home. Windows, too, are often a burglar’s ideal choice for a break-and-enter. Updating your locks, doors, and windows can help keep your home, or business, safe from harm. Because most property owners are more likely to focus on their main entrance of their property, basement doors, windows, and hidden doors are generally the weakest links on your property. A sturdy deadbolt, strong doors, and locking windows will provide you with an excellent foundation for safety. If a spare key is a must, make sure that it’s well-hidden and you can access it in privacy. You might leave a spare house key hidden in a barbecue, somewhere in your garage, or even in a concealed compartment that’s designed to look like an outlet. Businesses may prefer to go keyless and use a keypad entry system. Never place keys under a doormat or in a flowerpot. Remember that any entrance is a potential break-in site, so don’t write off those second-story windows, either.
4. Want to keep an eye on crime in your neighbourhood?
You can search for criminal activity here in Niagara by following this link. You may just think twice about keeping that door unlocked during daytime.
Stay Vigilant and Have a Plan!
Sometimes, vandalism is unavoidable no matter what measures you take to protect your property. Finding graffiti or walking into the scene of a break-in can make you feel helpless and should your best efforts to protect yourself fall through, we recommend that you call the police, then insurance, and then us! Let the experts at Miller Restoration take care of the clean-up process. Our team members aren’t just restoration specialists: they can help you rebuild your sense of security, too.