Summer is in full swing, and one of the best things about summers are vacations! But did you know that according to the Department of Justice, there are 10% more burglaries in the summer than in the winter. Additionally, the rate of household property victimization and household larceny also spikes during the summer months. So instead of worrying if your home is safe while you’re sinking your toes into crystal blue water, safeguard your home in advance with our tips on how to protect your home while on vacation.
Lock all windows and doors
According to the FBI, over 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked window or door. A few weeks before your vacation, check the windows and doors of your home to be sure they shut and lock properly.
Don’t forget your garage
Many homeowners focus on the main exterior of their homes and completely forget the garage. Make sure your garage door closes properly and the door leading from the garage into your home is locked as well. It’s also a good idea to install motion sensor lights on the corners of your garage. Lastly, if you leave a car in the driveway, be sure to remove the garage door remote.
Arrange for a house sitter
To help hide the fact that you’re not home, enlist the help of a house sitter or neighbor. He/she can bring in the newspaper and mail, or even put out your trashcans out on trash days.
Arrange for lawn care
If you plan on being gone for more than a week, arrange for lawn care. An overgrown lawn can be a telling sign to people that no one is there to do the maintenance.
Use light timers
Light timers are cheap and easy to install. They help deter criminals by making your home look occupied. Timers with random ON/OFF options are the best and most believable.
Pick up “hidden” keys
If you have a “hidden” key under your doormat, underneath a flowerpot, under a rock or any obvious location, make sure you pick it up and store it somewhere safe. You’d hate for a bulgar to break into your home using your own key now wouldn’t you?
Get a home security system
This option is by far the smartest. Aside from reducing the chance your home will be burglarized by 300%, home security systems give you peace of mind. Many leading systems offer remote access so you can check your home security from your phone.
Cesi Pagano
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