12 Tips to Prevent a Burglary

It’s the height of the summer vacation season.  It’s also the height of burglary season.  A burglar can get in and out of your home quickly and take much more than your belongings; they can take away your sense of security.

Whether you’re planning a vacation or a “stay-cation”, here are some great tips to reduce the chances that your home will be targeted.

1. Lock your doors and windows.   Sounds simple, but sometimes we think that because we’re in the backyard, we don’t need to lock our front door.  Lock your doors and windows, and keep your garage door closed even if you will be away for just a short while.  Also lock both the door knob locks and the deadbolts, as well as the door between the garage and the house.   The longer it takes for a burglar to enter, the more chances are that they will move on to a weaker target.
2. Don’t hide a key under the mat, the flowerpot or a fake rock.  Again, obvious, but some people still do this.
3. Keep bushes and hedges trimmed.   If your neighbors can’t see your windows, they won’t be able to see the burglar attempting to enter either.
4. Never post details about your vacation on social media while you are traveling.  Share your pictures after you’ve returned.  Also be selective about who you tell about your travel plans.  You never know who might overhear a casual conversation while you’re out and about.  Also be sure to instruct your children on these points as well.   Teens in the neighborhood might share details of your travel plans with one of their acquaintances.
5. Notify the police if you view any suspicious activity.   A person posing as a solicitor might actually be casing your neighborhood.  They’ve also been known to work in teams; one keeps the home owner busy at the front door, while another goes in the back door.
6. Purchase light timers to use when you are away.   Leaving your porch light on for two weeks while you are on vacation with no other lights on in the house is a beacon.  Bolster your outdoor lighting with automatic timers for the indoors, and have lamps go on and off at different times of the night in different rooms.   Motion sensor outdoor lighting is also a great way to keep burglars away from any entry points at night.
7. Get to know your neighbors.   Have a neighbor pick up your mail each day, and/or notify the Post Office and your newspaper service if you will be gone for an extended period of time.   Also make sure to let your neighbors know that you will be gone so they can help keep an eye on your home.
8. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you will be away for an extended period.   You want your home to look occupied.
9. Use a security bar for sliding glass doors.  The only option to open one with a security bar, would be to break the glass.
10. Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your lawnmower, bicycles, etc. in plain sight.  Store them in your garage, or in the back of the house.
11. If you lose your keys or your purse is stolen with your keys, change your locks immediately.
12. Make sure to keep curtains closed while you are away, especially on the first floor.

I hope everyone has a fun, safe summer!

Marie Dinsmore, Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist

The Dinsmore Real Estate Team  |  www.DinsmoreTeam.com