Whether you’re heading out on a work trip or packing your suitcase for your vacation, the last thing you want to worry about is the protection of your home. While summertime is the most popular time for break-ins, being prepared all year long will alleviate the stress of leaving. There are ways to protect your home inside and out, so let’s look at ways to keep your home safe while you’re away.
1. Make It Look Like Someone Is Home
On average, there are 2.5 million burglaries that occur every year. To avoid being a part of local crime statistics, try to make it look like you’re home when you are not. You can use timers to turn lights on and off during the day and night. When your house is dark for days, it can signal to burglars that no one is home, creating the perfect opportunity for them to attempt breaking in.You can take it even further by setting timers for your TV to automatically turn on so it makes it more believable. Ensure your grass is freshly cut and strategically position your blinds so it doesn’t expose expensive furniture or other household items. You can have a loved one or neighbor stop by to collect the mail and newspapers so they don’t pile up and give the impression of vacancy.
2. Don’t Share Social Media Posts
Although sharing your beautiful vacation with others can be tempting, you should never broadcast your location on social media. Even if you only share with your friends and family, you should not leave any room for potential break-ins. Try saving the posts until after your vacation so there are no risks to sharing your beautiful photos.
If you can’t wait to post your vacation photos, try taking extra precautions when posting. Be sure to remove geotags from your post and switch off the automatic geotagging feature in the camera app. You can make a private story that your closest friends and family can see and post them publicly after you return home.
3. Lock Up Your Garage
Whether there’s an entrance to your home from your garage or not, it’s still important to lock up. There are lots of things that could get stolen in a garage alone. Plus, you may be leaving your car in it for a long period of time. Locking your car in the garage instead of on the street creates an obstacle if that’s their target.
When you keep your car locked up, it’s out of sight and out of mind, especially if you own expensive classic cars, which are easier to break into than modern cars. Even if you keep your vehicle in the garage for safety reasons, be sure it’s also locked up. It can create another boundary, especially if you have important information or items in your car.
4. Remove Your Spare Key
Even if you think you’ve found a perfectly clever spot to hide your spare key outdoors, it’s probably best to remove it. Around 34% of burglars use the front door to break into a home. Criminals who have been in the game for a while will take extra time to look for hidden keys because they’re one of the easiest ways to get into someone’s home.
Leaving your key out is like handing it to criminals yourself, so take it inside before going away.
5. Recruit a Friend
Try contacting a trusted friend, neighbor, or family member to check up on your home a couple of times. Not only can it show that people are in the house, but it can also give you peace of mind while away. You can give this person your spare key in the meantime to ensure everything inside looks good as well.
Instruct them to call the local authorities if they come across a situation where it seems like your stuff might've been broken into. You can also give them your information about where you are staying in case they cannot get ahold of you in another way. It’s always nice to have someone affirm everything is OK at home while relaxing or trying to get work done when you’re away.
6. Secure Your Valuables
The last thing you want to have is wallets, jewelry, or expensive appliances out on display. Although they’re inside your house, having them within easy view of windows can confirm to a criminal that they should target your home. Storing them in a safe place and out of sight may steer them away since nothing is jumping out to them.
Try investing in a safe or lockbox. They come in many different sizes depending on how large your valuables are and how many you wish to lock up. This ensures extra protection for high-value items that could be a tremendous loss.
7. Lock Up
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s necessary to be on your checklist before heading out the door. You may be so excited daydreaming about the brilliant place you will be in the next couple of hours and completely forget to lock up various areas of your home. Not only should you lock up your front door, but double-check the other possible entrances to your home, too.
Remember to lock things like windows, pet doors, and mail slots since it can create easier access. Small openings allow burglars to reach in and unlock the doors from the outside. You can even disconnect automatic garage doors and use a padlock for extra protection.
Keep Your Home Safe
No matter where you live or how long you will be gone, there is no harm in ensuring your home is as safe as possible. Taking steps to protect your home and valuable items will ultimately pay off.
