One of the hardest parts about going on a trip is worrying about the safety of your house while you are gone. Far too many times, people take a vacation and come back to a home that has been ransacked with valuable items stolen. Often, all the police can do is take a report and hope your stuff turns up somewhere along the way. Don’t worry, however, because there are steps you can take to help ensure your stuff and house stays safe and untouched while you are away.
Leave on Some Lights
One of the biggest things a would-be thief looks for is the lack of light for several days, especially in the evening when people are home and watching television. Head to your nearest hardware store and pick up a timer and set some inside lights on it. Have them turn on in the evening when you would normally be home, and turn off at a set time. This small action will deter more thieves than you realize.
Don’t Leave the Porch Lights On
It might seem counterintuitive, especially with the last paragraph, but make sure the porch lights are not the set of lights you leave on, unless you have a timer. People typically don’t have their porch lights on all the time; so it’s a sign to the would-be thief that you are out and are looking to get home late at night.
Have Someone Maintain the Outside of the Property
If you are going to be gone for a long period of time, invest in a groundskeeper to come give the lawn a quick mow and to park their car in the driveway every now and again. This will give the illusion that the property is being lived in because it’s still being taken care of. Also, either stop the mail and newspaper service or have someone bring them inside for you. Nothing says you aren’t home like a pile of flyers in the mailbox.
Never Post Where You Are Going on Social Media
It may seem like a fun idea to share whatever fun destination you’re headed for on Facebook and Twitter, but all it really does is give people access to your personal lives that they might not have had. Do you really trust all of your Facebook and Twitter followers? What about the people who follow them? All it takes is one person sharing your status or retweeting it, and then suddenly a whole mess of people know that your house is going to be vacant for a period of time.
Invest in a Webcam
By having a webcam handy, you can catch anyone that enters your house while you are not there. It can be set up so it only comes on when there is motion, and you can have the results instantly emailed or texted to you. Technology has come a long way, so it’s relatively easy to set all of this up, and it will give you some great peace of mind. Be warned, however, if you have a pet, you’ll probably end up getting lots of pictures of them.
Think like a criminal
At the end of the day, think like a criminal without being one. Where are the most likely ‘break-in’ points around your home? How visible is the inside of your home and belongings? Is there a security system sign on your lawn (regardless of whether you have a security system)? Where is the least visible section along the outside of your home?
Taking the extra time and effort to secure your home will not only reduce the likelihood of a break-in, but give you additional piece of mind on your well-deserved time away from home.
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