Homes that look inhabited with no activity are prime targets for burglars. With many people packing up in the upcoming days to either head out for the winter or just leaving town to spend holidays with family, here are a few things to make sure you do to secure your home while you are away.
- Lock all your doors and windows. You would be surprised how many people leave a back door open for a neighbor to come by and check on things or a window open to keep fresh air circulating while they are gone.
- Stop your mail and have a neighbor or friend check daily for unexpected deliveries that might be sitting at your front door and the stuff that piles up in your paper box.
- Have a scheduled yard service maintain your grass and plants so that the growth does not give it away that you are gone.
- Set some lights on a timer to go on in the evening. Leave some upper blinds open and do not close every blind in the house because then it is obvious no one is home. Remember if you can’t see in, then the burglar won’t be able to be seen from the inside out.
- Do not leave your valuables in a go to place like your nightstand or dresser drawers. Hide things like jewelry, cash and guns which are the prime items that thieves take. If it is that sentimental consider removing from them from your residence while you are gone and securing it elsewhere.
- Lock your cars that you leave in the garage and hide the keys. Thieves have been known to take keys and return later to take your car. This goes for boats also.
- Arm your security alarms if you have one or make sure your surveillance system is in good working order before you go. If you are able to remotely view your cameras, make sure you check that the camera lenses are unobstructed and would provide you good shots if needed.
- Lastly, do not post on social media or advertise you will be gone. How convenient for a burglar to see you are on a twelve day cruise or in Florida until March. Tell your immediate neighbors to keep an eye on your house and if they see activity going on that is not pre-scheduled to immediately notify the Sheriff.