17 Dec 2010

Secure your home before leaving on holiday

Going away for Christmas and New Year? There are many simple ways to reduce the risk of burglary when you are away from home.

Tell your neighbors that you're going away so that they keep an extra eye out. Ask a neighbor to bring in your mail, and you can do the same when she leaves for vacation.

A sure sign that you are away is that it is thick with snow on the driveway. Help a neighbor to shovel, and he will help you when you travel.

Do not leave a message on your answering machine saying that you are away. Don't write on social communities such as Facebook that you are gone.

Put a timer on a few different lamps, to make them turn on and off at different times. Lights in broad daylight is a signal to the burglar. A relay outside light when darkness falls is a cheap investment.

Do not plants that block the sight near back doors and windows if you live in a house or townhouse.

Lock your doors even when at home. Many burglaries occur quickly and quietly while the owner is indoors.

Do not leave your keys visible in the hall, or in a key safe. It makes it easy for thieves to steal a spare key and come back undisturbed another day. In addition, it is easier for a burglar to get out of your house with the stolen goods.

Think about the big picture when you secure your property. To have a reliable lock to the entrance door is of course important, but did you know that most burglaries take place through the terrace door? Windows, preferably in a secluded spot, is also popular entrances to the thief. With a proper lock on the terrace door and window locks you can avoid burglary.