How to Secure Your Farmhouse from Burglars

We want to teach you how to secure your farmhouse from burglars, thieves, and other criminals.

Also --- we are here to help you select a tractor when the time comes.

These tips and strategies are meant as guidelines, and not as a guarantee against crime.  Always discuss security with local law enforcement and your system installer.

Ok, let’s get started.

Property crimes continue to be among the most reported.

Here are a few statistics to kick-off our discussion:

• 87% of home break-ins are preventable.
• A home is burglarized every 13 seconds.
• 2.5 million homes are broken into annually in the USA.
• 34% of burglars enter through the front door.
• 23% of burglars enter through a first floor window.
• Typical burglary lasts between 90 seconds and 12 minutes.
• 13% of burglars get caught and arrested.
• 28% of burglaries happen when someone is home.
• July and August are the months citing the most burglaries.  
• 30% of burglars enter through an unlocked door or window.
• Typical burglars live within 2 miles and know the victims personally.
• Many burglars look for dark houses, with high grass and stacks of newspapers.
• A loud radio or TV deters many burglars.
• Outdoor lights and cameras deter many burglars.
• Many burglars read the victims social media page to see if they are away from home.
• Security signs deter many burglars.

Over 3,700,000 burglaries are recorded annually.  Many of them go unsolved and leave their victims traumatized and mentally scarred.

Therefore, every household should take home security seriously.  Living on a secluded farm makes this even more important.  Security could save you and your families lives.     

Every home and area have unique security threats to consider.  To counter these threats, you must get in the mindset of a burglar.  This is the only way you can identify security threats, review your defense, and prevent potential break-ins.

Here are a few smart tips you can do today.

Lock Doors

Burglars want an easy way in.

Typically, they try to break in through the doors.

In over a third of all burglary cases, the thief entered through an unlocked door.  It is estimated that roughly 20% of Americans still leave their doors unlocked.  This gives burglars easy entry.

Make it a habit to always lock your doors when you walk inside and when you leave. 

Also make sure that all doors, both exterior and interior, are kept locked.  If you have sliding doors, install a glass break sensor and/or a dowel in the track. 

You should also invest in reliable door locks, such as a deadbolt.  Some homes have double locks.

Many go the extra mile and install smart locks that can be automatically controlled by using a smartphone.

Lock Windows

Windows are another popular way for burglars to get in a farmhouse. 

Many burglars enter through an unlocked window.  First-floor windows being the most popular. 

It is easy to forget to lock windows.  When the weather is nice, many people leave the windows open to get fresh air.  This presents a great opportunity for burglars.

Always lock the windows.  You can also invest in window break sensors or window security film.

If you want to get some fresh air, use window stops, and do not open them all the way.

Use Lighting

Burglars are attracted to homes that look like everyone is gone.

This gives them the sense that they can easily break-in or walk in with no issues.

Keeping lights on when you leave lowers the risk of burglary.

Smart lights that can be programmed to turn on and off at different times of the day.  They can also be controlled remotely through a smartphone.

Also install and use outdoor lighting that is motion-activated or a smart light technology. 

Get a Dog

It is reported that most burglaries take place in broad daylight.

Much of this happens while people are at work.

Having a small or large dog in the house can give you added security.  Larger dogs can threaten intruders.  Small dogs make noise and can alert nearby people.

Use Surveillance Cameras

It is wise to install security cameras.

Cameras can act as an effective deterrent.

While some burglars are bold, many are more cautious of getting caught.  Surveillance cameras help scare them off.

Security cameras can also provide a useful reference for the police.  Cameras can help identify and track thieves.

Modernize Systems

Home security systems are rapidly evolving.

There are now modern home security systems, that can fully safeguard your home.  Integrated smart devices work together to better ensure the safety and security of your home.

Today’s automated home security systems include security cameras, smart lights, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, smart locks, video doorbells, and even smart appliances.  You can even turn on lights and open gates using voice control.  These security features are perfect if you frequently travel or leave your home for long periods.

Secure the Garage

Garage doors are a popular entry point for thieves. 

Even if the garage doesn’t access your home, a burglar can still find valuable items in it or even use it as a hiding spot.

Always lock the garage doors.  Keep them locked.  This prevents burglars from seeing any valuables. 

Garage door windows should also be covered.  This way burglars won’t see what’s inside.

If you have the budget, install a smart garage door opener.

Befriend Neighbors

Get to know your neighbors.

They can help watch over your home while you are away.

Many subdivisions have a local neighborhood watch.  If you have a similar program, opt to become a part of the network.

In many cases, burglars target new residents.  Typically, these residents have not established a social network.

Neighbors may also pick up your newspaper and mail, so thieves won’t know you’re gone. 

We also recommend leaving spare keys with a trusted neighbor.

Add a Fence

We also recommend installing a fence around the perimeter of your entire property.

Fences act as a deterrent to would-be burglars.  They are hard to work around and make a vast amount of noise. 

You can turn this into an easy, do-it-yourself project.  All you need is a tractor and the right equipment for installing the posts. 

Of course, we can always help you pick the perfect tractor for installing your fencing quickly, effectively, and easily. 

If you need any further help, or have any questions about installing a fence, tractors or anything else, please contact your dealer, local mechanic, or call us at 602-734-9944.  Please ask about our current new and used tractor supply.

Team Tractor and Equipment - #1 Tractor Dealer in Arizona. We sell and service most major brands of tractors including Yanmar, Kubota, John Deere, TYM, Mahindra, Kioti, Case, New Holland, Massey Ferguson, Ford, Deutz, Case IH, Farmall, International Harvester, Branson Tractors, LS, Shibura, Claas Tractor, McCormick Tractors, Valtra, Solis, YTO, Montana, and Nortrac.