Your suitcase is ready to go, your pets are in the loving embrace of your neighbors, and you have all the sunscreen you could need – you’re all ready for vacation. Unfortunately, there are far too many people who focus on everything they are going to do while away from home, rather than thinking about how they can safeguard their home while they are away. Burglars know when you go on vacation. They know what to look for and small, seemingly insignificant indications that no one is home. This may lead to your home being broken into while you are away.
However, this doesn’t have to be the case. If you take some proactive steps before you leave you can feel confident your home will remain safe and secure while you are away.
Make it Look Like Someone’s Home
According to information from law enforcement officials, 10.5 percent more burglaries occur during the summer months than the winter ones. If you want to avoid becoming part of this statistic, then you need to make sure it looks like someone is home. Put timers on your lights, TVs, and radios, so they will turn on at different times throughout the day. Also, have someone park their car in your driveway. Position your curtains and blinds normally, but don’t allow them to reveal expensive appliances or electronics. It is also a good idea to ask a neighbor or friend to collect your mail each day.
Make Sure You Lock Up
While this may seem like a no-brainer, you need to ensure all your doors and windows are locked before you go on vacation. In addition to these, you should secure mail slots and pet doors to prevent burglars from being able to reach in and unlock your door with a tool. If you have an automatic garage door, think about disconnecting the electronic opener and putting a padlock on the track.
Be Careful Using Social Media
Even though going on vacation is fun and exciting, it doesn’t mean you need to post all about it while you are away. The fact is, posting pictures and updates give burglars the information they are looking for. It is best to save all your vacation photos and updates for after you have returned home. This will help to prevent someone from figuring out you are away.
Ask Your Neighbors for Help
It is smart to let your neighbors know you are going to be gone for a while and ask them to keep an eye on your house. Make sure you let them know they should call the authorities if they see anything suspicious. You may even want to give them a spare key, just in case.
The fear of your home being broken into should not stop you from going on vacation. There are several ways you can safeguard your property. Make sure you also have a quality security system installed to notify you and the authorities if someone tries to break in. If you need a system installed, contact Teague Electric to learn what options are available.
