Every ten seconds, a personal residence somewhere is infiltrated by a burglar. Luckily, there are ways to predict when and where a burglar may strike so that preemptive measures can be taken. To avoid allowing your home to become what police call a “target of opportunity,” follow these proven techniques for making your home the last place a burglar would want to be.
The best preventative measures for protecting your home while you’re away:
Invest in Home Surveillance Technology
You can’t always be physically present in your home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t always keep a watchful eye on it. PEAK Security offers advanced surveillance technology in the form of PEAK’s Remote Video Monitoring, so you can rest knowing that your home is visually monitored against intrusion at all hours of the day.
Make It Look Like You’re Home
Burglars tend to look for empty homes to hit. To make it look like yours is inhabited, consider keeping the curtains or blinds open, leaving a radio on, or turning on certain lights before you leave. One of the best ways to do this is by investing in a security system with access control and lighting features that can be manipulated remotely from your phone.
Make the Outside of Your Home Look Busy
There are a few ways to accomplish this. Consider asking a neighbor to use your outdoor trash can while you’re away, or leaving a car (whether it be yours, a friend’s, or a neighbor’s) parked in your driveway. If you expect to be gone for a while, consider having lawn care done while you’re away. You may also want to light the outside of your house with motion-activated light fixtures by the entrances.
Secure Alternative Entrances Like Patio Doors and Garages
For patio doors, a steel rod in the channel will do the trick. A pin-type lock or a key lock would be even better. Two or three well-placed screws in the overhead track can significantly reduce the risk of the door being lifted from the track. Likewise, keep your garage door closed and locked. A padlock in the door track is an excellent way to do this. If your garage door is electric, consider disconnecting it as well.
Put Up Warning Signs Around Your Home’s Perimeter
Whether these denote a home security system or a (supposedly) vicious guard dog, signs like this make for a reliable deterrent to potential intruders.
Consult a Knowledgeable Locksmith
Different kinds of doors and windows may require different kinds of locks, and deadbolts are recommended wherever applicable. A good locksmith can provide valuable insight into keeping your doors and windows secure.
Request Patrol from Your Local Police
When you know you’ll be gone for an extended period of time, ask the police to check on your home periodically. Likewise, if you see unfamiliar or suspicious activity around your neighbor’s home, call the police. Keeping your neighborhood safe is in everybody’s best interest.
Be Careful with Your Keys
Consider leaving your keys with a trusted friend or neighbor. If you really need to hide a key outside your home, consider a combination lockbox or an extra secure hiding place. Don’t leave a key under a doormat, under a flower pot, or on a window ledge. Burglars tend to look there first.
Install Peepholes in Your Home’s Entrances
The type with a magnifying glass lens lets you see who’s outside before you (or your loved ones) open the door. Consider installing a heavy-duty door chain as well.
Take Preparatory Measures with Your Valuables
Things like jewelry or important documents may be easily stored in a safe deposit box away from your home for the extent of your trip. For valuable items which must stay behind, like a TV, desktop computer, or stereo system, consider marking them with an engraving pen, available at most police stations. Marking your valuables with your driver’s license number (complete with state abbreviations) can help the police to trace and return them to you in the event they are stolen.
And Finally, Look into an Effective Home Security System
Visit PEAKALARM.COM to learn more about the most advanced home security systems available in the Mountain West.