During the summer, people typically take out of town trips and that is when most burglaries can occur. Nobody wants to come home after an enjoyable escape and find their home ransacked and valuables missing. By taking some precautions, you can avoid becoming a victim of intruders and return home to the same comfortable conditions you left it in.
Here are some tips to avoid intruders:
Put your lights on timers : When different lamps and lights come on at different times, criminals tend to think someone is home.
Install an alarm system : If you don’t already have one, now is the time to secure your home with an alarm. You may even be able to get a discount on your homeowners insurance if you install an alarm.
Invest in deadbolt locks : If you can’t invest in an alarm system, at least invest in deadbolt locks. Place these on your doors and windows so it makes it more difficult for criminals to get inside of your home.
Set up a webcam : Surveillance cameras can get pricey, but you could use a webcam for the same purpose at a fraction of the cost.
Stop your mail : Nothing shouts you’re “not home” by mailing piling up in your mailbox or front door. Make sure to stop delivery with the post office, or have a friend or neighbor pick up your mail everyday.
Suspend newspaper delivery : You don’t want newspapers scattered by your front door either, so make sure you call the newspaper and arrange to put delivery on hold for the length of your vacation.
Keep quiet on social media : Don’t share any details on how long you’ll be gone or where you’re going on any social media site. You never know who might have access to your vacation plan posts.
Unplug electronics : This way burglars can’t get a hold of any personal information or financial information. Unplugging will also allow you to save on your electric bill!
Turn off automatic garage doors : Intruders have been known to use a universal remote to gain entry to homes through the garage, so shut it down before you leave.
Remove portable GPS from your car : If you’re flying to your destination and leaving your car at the airport, thieves can steal your car and head right to your home.
Make your home looked lived in : Do what you do when your normally home. For example, if your blinds are normally open during the day, don’t close them when on vacation. Have your lawn mowed, as well as keep your car in the driveway so it seems like someone is home.
Get rid of the hidden house key : Intruders know the typical hiding places for extra keys, so unless you have a brilliant hiding spot, don’t bother putting on outside at all.
Asses your yard : Check around your front and back yard to see if someone could easily be concealed in your bushes. If so, make sure you cut them.
Turn off alarm clocks : You don’t want someone to hear the endless noise of an alarm, making them realize no one is home inside to turn it off.
Lock up : Before you drive away, be sure to check all of the locks and alarm your alarm.
