2 Simple Tips for Keeping Your House & Family Safe from Theft
According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, over 2 million burglaries occurred throughout the United States in 2012. If you're a homeowner, the safety of your property and family are a top priority, which is why you've taken several measures to keep them both safe. In addition to installing a security system, fences and gates, there are a number of other simple and inexpensive upgrades and safety-savvy changes you can make to make your property even more secure.
Light Up Your Home—Inside and Out
When it comes to keeping your home safe throughout the day and night, there is one simple, inexpensive way to trick burglars into thinking you're home: lighting.
However, before you start installing new fixtures everywhere on your property, or installing a single timer to turn all those new lights on at once, there are more realistic ways to illuminate and protect your property:
- Motion Detectors—Burglars are becoming more savvy and unfortunately, a bright porch light simply isn't an effective deterrent. Instead, invest in a motion detecting or infrared-controlled light system. These systems are available at a reasonable price, easy to install and will catch a potential burglar off-guard.
- Invest in Modern Timer System—A timer that simply turns all the lights in your home on and off at once isn't very convincing. Luckily, there are modern timer systems that will not only control the lights in your home, but will also turn a radio or your television on and off. Once again, these systems are inexpensive, relatively easy to install and mimic your actual presence more effectively.
Vacation Smarter
Planning a vacation can be an exhausting process, and the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home and valuables while trying to relax with your family.
Luckily, there are a number of simple things you can do to ensure your property is protected, including how you interact with friends on social media:
- Tell a Neighbor—Let a neighbor you know and trust know that you'll be away on vacation. Ask them to keep an eye out on your home, pick-up the mail or retrieve the morning newspaper. There's nothing like a huge stack of bills and water-soaked newspapers to signal potential burglars that you're away from home. An elderly person on the block that likes to neighborhood watch can also keep an eye out for anything suspicious while you're away.
- Share Your Vacation Plans After You're Home—Social media has made it easy for anyone to post all aspects of their life, including their vacation plans. Unfortunately, potential thieves as well as your friends and family are able to access any and all information you post online. Don't let everyone on the internet know you're not home to protect your stuff and instead, share your photos and stories once you're safely at home.
- Give the Impression You're Home—Finally, one of the simplest ways to deter burglars is to give the impression you're home. For example, leave your car in the driveway, keep your bedroom television on a timer or ask a friend or family member to very noticeably enter and exit your home periodically while you're away.
If you're planning an extended vacation, let local law enforcement know you'll be away. Ask if a squad car can periodically drive past your house to ensure no burglars are making themselves at home.
Installing a state-of-the-art alarm system and new, sturdy locks are your door are proven ways to keep your property and family safe, whether you're home, at work or away on vacation. Talk to local residential and commercial locksmiths for more information on the latest trends in keeping your property safe.
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