Burglars search for vacant homes that would make easy targets. If you plan to go away for a while for work or vacation, take steps to avoid making it obvious that your house is unoccupied and to deter potential thieves.
Make Burglars Think You Are Home
If you will be gone for a few days or longer, have the post office hold your mail and have newspaper delivery suspended until you return. An overflowing mailbox and a pile of newspapers on the front steps clearly indicate that the owners are away.
If you will be out of town for a relatively long period of time, have someone handle your lawn maintenance. Tall grass and a garden full of weeds can tip off burglars scouting the neighborhood that you are not home.
You might think that closing the blinds or curtains would deter thieves because they wouldn’t be able to tell for sure whether someone was home, but it would actually be a good indication that the house was empty. Instead, leave some curtains or blinds on the second floor open and set lights to turn on and off with a timer. Avoid a clear pattern to create the illusion that people are home. Having a neighbor park a vehicle in your driveway or garage can also make your home appear occupied.
Secure Your House
Before you leave for your trip, inspect all the doors and windows in your home, including the garage. If you notice any malfunctioning locks or damaged windows or doors, have them repaired by professionals before you go away.
Keep the exterior of your home well lit. You can program outdoor lights to come on at dusk and/or install motion-activated lights. If a burglar is on your property and the lights suddenly come on, that can attract the attention of your neighbors.
If you don’t have a security system, consider installing one before you go on your trip. If an intruder is detected, the police can be alerted immediately. You might even be able to monitor your home with an app on your phone for peace of mind.
Let trusted neighbors know that you will be out of town and ask them to keep an eye on your property. If they notice anyone behaving suspiciously, they can notify the police. If you trust an individual enough, you can provide a key and ask that person to stop by your home periodically and check for any signs of a break-in. Potential thieves will think twice about targeting your home if they realize that a neighbor has a key and could show up at any time.
Keep Your Home Safe While You Are Away
Break-ins can occur in any neighborhood. If you plan to take a trip, avoid making your home an obvious and easy target. If you need to have a lock or door repaired, contact All American Locksmiths today.
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