Home burglaries can happen to anyone in any neighborhood. It’s a traumatic experience for the whole family and no one wants to feel unsafe in their own home. Most burglars want to get in and out in under 10 minutes; any measure to slow them down is vital. Here are some tips to help keep your home safe.
Lock & Secure Everything
Every window and door should be locked, even when you’re at home but especially when leaving the house. When leaving for a long trip, it’s imperative to double-check everything is locked up before heading out of town. Closing all the blinds and curtains can prevent invaders from seeing any personal items lying out or getting a feel for the house layout.
Purchase A Home Security System
Installing a security system is one of the most practical preventative measures for home thefts. Most security systems are now accessible right from your phone and can have various devices inside and outside of the home. Some systems offer motion detectors, video cameras, smart door locks, flood lights, and sirens. If possible, opt for professional monitoring to ensure law enforcement reports for emergencies. Homes without security systems are more likely to be broken into.
Install Outdoor & Smart Lighting
Bright lights shining around the house at night can help deter burglars for fear of being seen. Outdoor lights should be waterproof and motion-sensored if possible. Smart lighting systems are beneficial since they can be programmed to turn off and on automatically. This can be useful when out of town to give the impression that someone is still home. Some smart lighting systems work with security systems.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Knowing who lives next to you can help develop relationships so you can keep an eye out for each other. It’ll be easier to spot suspicious vehicles if you know what your neighbors drive or communicate any skeptical behavior in the neighborhood. They can also hold any packages delivered while you’re away to help prevent porch pirates from getting to it first.
Prepare For Long Trips
When going out of town, try not to post about it on social media as that can notify potential burglars when the home will be unoccupied. Communicating with your neighbors that you’re friendly with about your trips can help keep an eye out for unwanted visitors. You can also place a hold on your mail through USPS so your mailbox doesn’t pile up.
Purchase A Safe
In the unfortunate event that an intruder makes it inside the home, having a safe in an inconspicuous spot can protect those valuables. Most burglars are in a rush and won’t take the time to attempt to break into the safe. If the safe is in a hard to get to spot, they likely won’t find it or have the time to grab it. A floor safe is a popular option.
Keep Keys Secure
Don’t hide house keys outside of the home (fake rocks, under the doormat, etc.). Home invaders can easily find the ‘hidden’ key giving them easy access to the house. After checking if the door is locked, burglars typically check under the mat and the surrounding areas.
Stay Secure With COBIA
Most home invasions occur during the day while people are working or running errands. The numbers spike during the summer when people are out of town on vacation. Keeping your house guarded can prevent burglars from gaining unwanted access to your home. Don’t wait until your next trip to protect your home. Call COBIA Insurance today to learn more about ways to keep your home safe.
