Summer vacation plans have many people on the road leaving their home alone. Residential break-ins spike during the summer months, so whether you will be jet setting around the world or going on a weekend getaway, make your home less attractive to thieves with these safety tips.
Lock all points of entry.
According to security company ADT, 40 percent of all burglaries were non-forced entries, meaning someone was able to walk, crawl, or climb inside the house. Make sure to lock all windows and doors, including the door leading into the garage.
Set your alarm. Homes without an alarm system are three times more likely to be burglarized. If you have one, use it. Make sure to set your alarm before leaving your house, even for a quick errand in the neighborhood.
Conceal your trash. After purchasing a pricey electronic or appliance, break down the empty box and conceal it in a trash can before placing it next to the curb for trash day. Leaving an empty box by the curb will let anyone canvassing the area know about your newest purchase and heighten their curiosity of valuables in the home.
Create an illusion that someone is home. Don’t leave signs of an empty house when going on vacation. Set the lights and radio or television on a timer to give the illusion someone is home. If you are worried about electricity, fluorescent light bulbs reduce electricity use and are environmental friendly.
Prune back shrubbery. Cut back any overgrown shrubs and trees around windows and doors. Overgrown foliage provides potential hideouts for burglars waiting to break into the home and a place to hide if something goes wrong. Houses with visible entry points to the street and open yards are less appealing to thieves.
Keep up with curbside appearance. Overflowing mailboxes and piled up newspapers are signs of being on vacation. Mail and newspapers can be stopped while on vacation or hire a house sitter to stop by daily to pick up mail, newspapers, and any leaflets left on the door.
Bolt safes down. Often times homeowners think valuables are protected in a safe, even if it isn’t bolted down. Burglars will take the unbolted safe with them and open it when they aren’t under pressure. If you are worried about valuables on vacation, keep them in a safety deposit box.
Check your check-ins. Avoid announcing your vacation on social media and checking in on geo-tracking apps. Post vacation photos after you are back home sweet home.
Adriana Donofrio Podley Properties Glendora 626 926-9700 • adrianad@podley.com
