Summer is here, it’s hot and you want to make the most of the great weather. That means you might be heading out more than usual and maybe even going away for a few nights. So it is important to take steps to keep your house safe and secure in the warmer months.
Let’s look at how you focus on security at home this summer.
Security at home this summer
Unfortunately, the summer holidays are a prime time for burglary. There are lots of new things around because of Christmas gifts and often your house lies unattended for days on end if you take a summer holiday. So it is important to take proactive steps to ensure your home is protected from burglars.
Planned heist or spur of the moment
Burglaries come in two forms, one is where a burglar puts in the time to case your house. This is the type of burglary that is hard to prevent against as if someone really wants to get into your house, then they will find a way.
But the second kind is the spur of the moment decision where the burglar sees an opportunity and takes it (quite literally). This is the kind of burglary that you want to take steps to prevent. If it seems too hard for a spur of the moment burglar then they will move onto an easier target.
Here is what you can do to prevent against these types of burglaries…
Don’t make it obvious
Leave the house just the way you would if you were heading out to work. Don’t close the curtains, leave lights on or a TV playing as that can be a dead giveaway that you are not there. Also, ask a neighbour to clear your mailbox so that there isn't a build up of mail. If you have a second car then park it in your driveway, or arrange for another car to be parked there insead. And if you are going to be away for several weeks then it is a good idea to arrange for someone to mow your lawn too.
Hide the goods
If your house is lit up with Christmas lights and decorations then it will interest a burglar as they will know that there are presents lurking in your house somewhere. If your Christmas tree is visible from windows or doors, then it is best to leave the presents in the cupboards until Christmas morning. A visible stack of presents is an invitation for an opportunistic burglar.
After the big day, if you received a particularly extravagant or expensive gift then do not leave the packaging out with your recycling. Take it directly to the dump or leave it inside out of sight until you return from your holiday. Leaving out a widescreen TV box is an advertisement that you have fancy electronics inside.
Grab some gadgets
Leaving the lights on day and night is a dead giveaway, but having the lights come on at night with a timer is a deterrent. Burglars like to operate under the cover of darkness, so any lights or noises will put them off. They are fearful of people noticing them, so don’t like anything that will attract attention.
Investing in a timer that will turn your lights on each night will help keep burglars away.
Stash the valuables
The things burglars go for first are small electronics like laptops, tablets, smartphones, ipads, cameras, and also jewellery.
So if you can, store these in a safe. If purchasing a safe is not in your budget then you can give your valuables to a trusted friend or family member to look after while you are away.
You could also package up your valuables and store them in your garage or shed. While these places are targeted by burglars, they would be looking for expensive tools or sporting items. Not a jewellery box.
The number one thing that you should do is to hide the spare key. Even if you think you have a really clever hiding place, don’t leave a key out.
It is better to be safe than sorry
You might feel like you are going over the top with your security measures, but it really is better to be safe than sorry. It is not so much preventing someone from taking your possessions, although that is important. It is more about preventing a stranger from invading your space. You can replace ‘things’, but you can’t ever shake the feeling that someone you don't know walked through your home without your permission.
Damage to your property can also occur during a burglary. And if you aren't home to immediately see to the problem, then it could be a disaster by the time you get home. Imagine if a thief decided to take your dishwasher, disconnecting the water supply and flooding your house.
Don’t feel silly taking extra measures when it comes to your security at home. It will mean that you can come home from your holiday to a safe and secure house.
Disclaimer As with all our blogs, the information detailed here is general in nature and meant as a preliminary guide only. This should not be substituted for your own investigations or use of your own professional’s. Planning Plus is not liable for any errors or omissions.