Many homeowners do not realise that they are dropping hints to burglars to break into their vacant properties. The basics of home security begin with identifying areas that could make your home vulnerable. There are certain things that make a house a prime target to criminals:
- Looking Empty. Vacant properties make an easy target for burglars. Signs such as piling up newspapers, mail and other daily deliveries make it look like the homeowner has been away for quite some time. Keeping the drapes slightly open and keeping the lights on will discourage criminals from entering it. Lights can be set to come on at night using a timer and then turn themselves off in the early hours of the morning.
- Wealth. A house that looks likely owned by a rich family is very attractive to burglars since they know that they can get a lot from it. Leaving objects of value in plain sight can often be all it takes for a burglar to approach the house.
- Easy Access. Homeowners who unintentionally leave their doors, windows, and garages open will make it easy for burglars to come in. For this reason it is wise to invest in an alarm system that can be set every time you leave your house unoccupied.
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/dahlstroms/4083220012/
To prevent these problems from happening, homeowners should take the following precautions and safety measures:
Be Discreet
A homeowner who talks a lot about a planned vacation can pique the interest of burglars within earshot. Discussing the plans with family members and friends should be made discreetly. In addition, telling people who are not concerned at all should be avoided.
Short-term Solution
If the homeowner is away only for a few days, hiring a house sitter is a good option. This person can keep watch of the house while maintaining its cleanliness inside and outside. In addition, this can also give an impression that someone is living in the property.
Home Security Devices
Image Source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jwthompson2/139445633/
Monitoring services and home security systems must be installed even in vacant properties. These companies offer round the clock monitoring of homes and when intruders strike, they can easily notify the authorities for rescue. This gives any homeowner peace of mind that their homes are kept under careful watch while they are away.
Homeowners can also choose to have cameras and motion detectors discreetly installed inside and outside their property. They can remotely monitor their property through the real-time data sent into their mobile device or computers. Once the alarm is signalled the homeowner can then contact the authorities for help.
Tall Fences
Installing tall fences with anti-climb and anti-cut features can help a lot with security. Even if they get into the property and break in, they can still be detected by the installed devices. Once the homeowner gets help, the tall fences can still help by making it harder for the burglars to escape.
Tell a Friend
Instead of hiding the key under the doormat or in the pot next to the door, it can be given to a trusted friend or neighbour. Since the owner will be away for a period of time, it will help to have that trusted person visit the property once in a while to check. This is also a good time to bring in the newspapers and mail to prevent them from piling up.
Securing an uninhabited or vacant property even if for a short time is an important step for homeowners or business owners to take in securing their assets and private property. It is always more cost-effective to take preventative rather than reactive measures to securing your property, which also provides the peace of mind; knowing that your assets are protected.
