Home security experts have provided tips to help prevent burglaries, particularly in light of an alleged serial burglary ring that targeted homes in the Northeast. Four Rhode Island men have been charged for their roles in 43 burglaries across Massachusetts between 2018 and 2024, targeting homes of Indian or South Asian heritage. The stolen property included jewelry, cash, and locked safes with an aggregate value exceeding $4 million. The suspects were described as sophisticated and disciplined in concealing their identity and avoiding detection.
Proper landscaping is crucial in deterring burglaries, as shrubs should not obscure windows and allow intruders to work unobserved. The four Ds of protecting a home include deter, detect, delay, and defeat. Former New York Homeland Security adviser Michael Balboni highlighted the importance of ensuring that the home’s exterior does not provide easy access for burglars. This involves creating an environment that is challenging for intruders to navigate.
Former FBI investigator Bill Daly emphasized the significance of having a hardwired alarm system that is monitored by an outside company to prevent jamming or interference. He advised against relying solely on cellphone communication for alarms and suggested anchoring safes to beams within the home to make them difficult to remove. Additionally, alarms can be attached to safes to alert homeowners or authorities if they are tampered with.
Maintaining a low online profile is essential in preventing burglaries, as burglars may target individuals who appear to have valuable assets based on information shared on social media or professional sites. Daly warned against revealing too much information about valuables to contractors or others visiting the home for maintenance, as this could inadvertently attract potential thieves. Taking precautions such as anchoring safes and installing alarms can help slow down burglars and alert homeowners to suspicious activity.
The burglary ring in Massachusetts was described as carrying out a large number of thefts with precision and sophistication, avoiding alarms and using Wi-Fi jammers to prevent communication or tracking. Home security experts recommend being proactive in securing one’s home to prevent burglaries and protect valuables. By implementing measures such as proper landscaping, hardwired alarm systems, and limiting online presence, homeowners can reduce the risk of becoming targets for burglars looking for valuable items.
In conclusion, the recent burglary ring in Massachusetts serves as a reminder of the importance of taking proactive steps to protect one’s home and valuables. By following the advice of home security experts, homeowners can enhance the security of their properties and decrease the likelihood of being targeted by burglars. Simple measures such as maintaining proper landscaping, installing hardwired alarm systems, and anchoring safes can go a long way in deterring intruders and safeguarding against theft. Being mindful of one’s online presence and avoiding sharing too much information about valuables with contractors can also help prevent burglaries.
