There is no other feeling like arriving home to a burglarized house. It's frightening and leaves a lingering feeling of vulnerability. You can take a few simple steps to assure you have prepared your home to be as burglar-proof as possible. Here are three tips to help improve security at home.

Check Your Locks

• Install dead bolt locks on all external doors. Key knob locks are not strong enough alone.
• Secure any sliding glass doors by inserting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
• Lock double-hung windows with key locks or “pin” your windows by drilling a small hole at an angle between the inner and outer frames. Insert a nail that you can remove when you like.
• Re-key locks when you move into a new dwelling.

Check Your Doors

A locked door may feel safe but if the door is not strong, you may have a false sense of security.

• For external doors, install metal and solid wood doors.
• Add wide-angle viewers or peepholes in your entry doors to allow you to see who is outside.
• Install weather stripping around any loose doors.

Check the Outside

Inspect your home from the outside and try to look for vulnerabilities. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

• Install flood lights outside. Motion-detector lights can be a good friend to you and a deterrent to burglars.
• Keep your windows and doors free from shrubbery and vines. Make certain no trees can be helpful to a potential burglar. Trim all branches that hang low near windows.
• Use timers to keep lights on and off while you travel. A light on all the time signals no one is home.
• Arrange for newspaper and mail to be collected while you travel. Burglars can be emboldened by seeing these collect in front of your door.

If You or a Loved One Has Been Charged with Burglary in Washington

Burglaries can sometimes be associated with known people, especially if the charges are for entering someone's property unlawfully. If you or a loved one has been charged with burglary and a domestic violence charge, the offense is a Class B felony. If convicted under Washington law, the person charged could face penalties of being locked up for up to ten years. Or, the person could face $20,000 in fines or a combination of the two.

Any kind of domestic violence charge can make your life and your future a living hell. The only way to emerge without difficult results is to vigorously fight your charges. All criminal defense attorneys are NOT equal. Steve Karimi spent years prosecuting criminals and now he puts his experience in the courtroom to work for those who are facing difficult criminal charges. Learn more about your charges, your rights, and your potential defense options. Call Steve Karimi today to make your appointment.