Burglary Prevention Protecting Your Home While You Travel By Dr. Rich Austin As we slowly begin to return to normal (or at least a “new normal”), many families have decided to proceed with vacation travel plans or trips to visit family. And while time away may be much needed, unoccupied homes are an opportunity for burglars to strike. Remembering the following tips may greatly reduce the chances of your home being burglarized. Making Your Home Look “Lived-In” If you plan to be away for an extended period, remember to stop your mail, or have a neighbor pick up these items on a regular basis. Often, burglars see a driveway full of newspapers or an overflowing mailbox as an open invitation to enter a home without much chance of being detected. Alarm Systems Consider an electronic intrusion detection system. While there are several reputable alarm monitoring companies, there are also several off-the-shelf alarm monitoring systems available from your local electronics store. If you are a little tech savvy, these systems (both with company-monitoring and self-monitoring options) allow users to have control over basic home functions via a mobile device. Some common functions include video monitoring, remote control lighting and TVs, arming and disarming the alarm system, and automatic text or email alerts if the doorbell rings or if a door or window is opened or broken. Police Vacation Checks Call your local police to see if they provide routine vacation checks. Departments that provide this service, such as the Milton Police Department, will have an officer ride by your home to check the perimeter and ensure it is secure. Since homeowners register for the service, police officers will have your information on file if they encounter a problem or see something suspicious. If you utilize this service, remember to tell the police if you are expecting any visitors such as a neighbor picking up your mail or service providers like landscapers or pet sitters. While the police will ride by occasionally, the number of checks is typically based on call volume and other factors. Since no police department may absolutely guarantee your home’s safety, it is best to utilize this service in conjunction with one of the previously mentioned monitoring options. Neighbors Neighbors who look out for each other are a great old-fashioned, but effective, burglary prevention tool. Encourage your neighbors to call 911 if they see anything suspicious while you are away such as a strange car in your driveway or someone walking around your house. Asking good neighbors to keep an eye on your home can help both deter burglaries and provide you peace of mind, so you may more fully enjoy your time away.
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