As people head out of their homes and offices to enjoy the sun during the summer, their property is left unattended for longer periods of time, creating a greater opportunity for crime.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help protect your home from burglaries. Here are some tips that can help you protect your property and enjoy the summer with peace of mind.
Protect your home while you’re on vacation
Many thieves “research” and plan their crimes in advance, paying close attention to the little details that indicate an unoccupied home. And of course, many homes are unoccupied for weeks during the summer. How do you protect your property?
Some travelers choose to stop receiving mail while they’re away so that an overflowing mailbox doesn’t send the signal that the owners are away. A better solution? Ask a close friend to take out your mail while you’re home.
Don’t advertise your absence on social media
It may come as a surprise, but thieves are on social media too. Posting pictures of you and your family sunbathing hundreds of miles away is an open invitation to potential thieves.
Checking in at the airport may seem like a cool way to have fun on Facebook, but it’s actually telling people that your house will be empty for the next week or so. Save your photos and memories to share privately or after you get home.
Windows
Take the time before you leave to double-check that all your windows are closed and locked, especially those on the ground floor. Fully closed blinds and curtains indicate an empty house, so be sure to leave your curtains and blinds in the same position they are when you’re home. Your door and window sensors can help ensure that none of these access points are opened without your knowledge.
Consider Installing a Professionally Monitored Security System
A professionally monitored home security system is a key way to deter thieves and help protect your home from break-ins. Here are just a few things a fully integrated smart home security solution can provide:
24/7 professional monitoring;
Smart lighting;
Video surveillance;
Mobile access.
Upgrade your security system
If you have a basic home security system, it might be time to upgrade it if you’re going away. You can add additional sensors to your home or install additional cameras outside to let thieves know your home is well-protected.
Hide your valuables
Your most valuable possessions are more vulnerable when you’re not home to watch over them. In case someone can bypass your exterior security measures, always make sure your valuable or sentimental items are locked up in a safe, hidden safe or other location before you go on vacation. Make sure it’s securely anchored to the floor.
Stick to your regular home/garden cleaning schedule
If you have a home or garden cleaning service, you should ask the service providers to continue to come while you are away. Housekeepers, gardeners, and even pool cleaners should still come according to their regular schedule, even if you are not there.
Of course, you should feel confident that you trust these service providers to be in or outside your home while you are away. If you are not sure you can trust the service provider, stop the service for the duration of your absence, but do not indicate that you are going away.
Consider investing in smart lighting
Smart LED bulbs have software that connects to an app that allows you to automate your lights or control them remotely. Many smart bulb models offer a “vacation mode” as a theft deterrent that will randomly turn lights on and off to mimic the homeowner’s usual behavior.
Ask a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to watch your home
If you have a friend, family member, or neighbor you can trust, ask them to come by your house regularly to make sure everything is in order, pick up your mail if you haven’t stopped it, and check that your windows and doors are closed. Also, water your plants and tend to your lawn from time to time. Unkempt, overgrown gardens, yards, and lawns are all signs of an empty home.
Take steps to protect your hard-earned money
To make the most of your vacation, make sure you have enough security measures in place to take care of your home while you’re away. If you’d like to add a security system to your other security measures, contact us.
