The number of burglaries in 2020 was at the lowest point in a decade. However, these burglaries resulted in over $970 billion in stolen property, only a fraction of which was recovered.
And as the holiday season rapidly approaches, many people will be traveling to visit family and friends. While they are away, it is crucial to take some precautions to ensure their homes remain safe and secure. Here are a few tips for keeping your home safe:
Lock all doors and windows when you’re away.
Locking all doors and windows is one of the most important ways to keep your home safe while you’re away. Ensuring all entrances are locked makes it more difficult for thieves to gain access to your home. Furthermore, closing your windows can help deter burglars from targeting your home in the first place.
Installing a durable electromagnetic lock is also a good idea. The mechanism facilitates the opening and closing of the door remotely. When used with a security system, you can control who enters and exits the home while you are away.
Install a security system.
Installing a security system is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home safe and secure. A security system can help protect you and your family from intruders and provide peace of mind when you’re away from home.
Several different types of security systems are available, so be sure to do some research to find the system that best meets your needs. Once you have a security system in place, be sure to test it regularly and keep the batteries fresh so that it is always ready to go in an emergency.
The security system should also include motion sensor lights. These lights will come on automatically if someone approaches your home and can help deter intruders. The system should also have a loud alarm that will sound if the motion sensor is triggered. You should also connect the system to a monitoring service so that the police can be notified if there is an intruder.
Keep exterior lights on at night.
Keeping exterior lights on at night is crucial to keeping your home safe and secure. Keeping the lights on makes it difficult for burglars to sneak around undetected. Additionally, you can deter crime by having a well-lit home.
If you have motion sensor lights, be sure to place them in strategic locations around your home. This will give you the best coverage possible and make it difficult for burglars to find a way to enter your home without being detected.
In addition to keeping the exterior of your home well-lit, it is also essential to keep the interior of your home well-lit. This will make it more difficult for burglars to hide once they are inside your home. You should also turn on a light in each room, even when you are not using that room.
Trim trees and shrubs that could provide cover for burglars.
Burglars often use shrubs and trees as cover while attempting to break into a home. Trimming trees and shrubs around your home can make it more difficult for burglars to hide. Keeping your property well-lit will also discourage burglars from targeting your home.
Trimming trees and shrubs will also allow neighbors to see into your yard and make it more difficult for burglars to operate without being seen. So, you should remove large shrubs and trim low-hanging branches to remove any hiding places for potential burglars.
You can also ensure that the driveway is clear of cars and other obstructions. This will prevent potential burglars or intruders from hiding behind large objects and will be visible to anyone looking. Parking the car in the garage also protects it from being broken into and helps to keep your home safe.
Install a fence.
Installing a fence is another great way to keep your home safe and secure. A fence can provide a physical barrier that will deter criminals from targeting your home. A fence can also help keep pets and small children in the yard so that they cannot wander off and become lost.
When choosing a fence, be sure to select one that is tall enough to deter burglars from climbing over it. You should also consider adding a gate to the fence to control who has access to your property. If you have a dog, be sure to choose a fence that is tall enough to prevent the dog from jumping over it.
With some planning, you can ensure that your home is safe and secure while you’re away. By following these tips, you can relax and enjoy your holiday travels, knowing that your home is in good hands.
