Don’t Leave Home Security Out of Your Travel Plans This SummerSummer is not only classified as ‘vacation season’ it is also known as ‘burglar season.’ The FBI reports that burglaries increase by nearly 10-20% during the months of July and August. So before your pack your bags for that cross-country road trip or weekend getaway make a plan to protect your home while you are away.
Keep your traveling under wraps. When you decide on the date and location of your trip, never post the information on social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter or anywhere on the Internet. Posting your travel plans publicly makes you an easy target for potential burglars.
Discourage burglary at your home. Burglars prefer to break into homes that are unoccupied, so it’s a good idea to make it appear as though you are home. Set timers on your lights, radios and televisions to turn them on and off during times when you would normally use them. Ask a neighbor you trust to put trash cans out on trash day and pick up your mail and newspaper. You can also temporarily stop the delivery of your mail and newspaper while you are away. Additionally, burglars will take notice of an overgrown lawn and use overgrown hedges as a hiding spot. Make proper arrangements to have your lawn mowed and foliage trimmed if you will be gone for an extended amount of time.
Deny easy access to your belongings. Security industry research reports that burglars usually spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into a home. Using locks on your windows and doors is one of the most basic ways to increase the break in time, which may cause intruders to change their mind. It is estimated that nearly one-third of all burglars enter through the front door, so consider installing deadbolt locks for added security. Another way to deter burglary is by using motion-sensor lights in the dark areas outside of your home, such as your garage or backyard.
Manage the risk by enlisting help. Inform trusted neighbors, friends and family of your vacation plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property while you are away. Be sure to tell them how long you will be gone and the names or descriptions of anyone that may need access to your house. Always leave a house key and a phone number where you can be reached with a trusted individual. Avoid accidentally triggering your alarm by making sure anyone who will have access to your home knows how to properly operate your alarm system. If you will be taking an extended vacation, consider a house sitter and let your local police know when you will be away.
Protect your home by being able to detect an intruder. Homes without security systems are three times more likely to be broken into than homes with a system. To add to your protection and peace of mind, both home and away, invest in a security system. If you have security system installed, it is important to activate your system, especially when you are on vacation. Crime statistics show that homes with security systems are often successfully burglarized because the system was not armed during the time of the burglary. Before your vacation, get into the habit of arming your system each time you leave your home.
Security is a feeling that can’t be replaced. Don’t leave your home vulnerable to an intrusion. Map out your protection plan before your vacation so you can enjoy yourself and know your home is safe.
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Source: Alarm.org