Did you know more than 2 million burglaries occur in America each year? What’s worse is over 65 percent are residential robberies. We at Kipper Insurance want to keep you and your home safe this holiday season. You can make your home less vulnerable to robbery by following these tips.
Keep Your Vacation Private
With the rise of social media, it’s all-too-tempting to update your friends via Facebook or Twitter of your exciting plans. But take caution before broadcasting the news of your trip online. You never know who might be watching. Instead, only tell a trusted friend or neighbor about your plans, and see if they can watch your home while you’re away.
Make it Look like You Never Left
Burglars are opportunists by nature. If there is no opportunity, they won’t take action. Maintaining an appearance of activity is one of the best ways to deter a criminal. Always leave blinds and curtains open to their normal position. Also, consider investing in a time-controlled light system. A few timer-controlled lights or even sporadic music will be enough to create the illusion of an occupied home.
Make it Difficult to Break-In
Burglars are less likely to target a home if it takes more than five minutes to enter. Slow them down by adding dead bolt windows or door locks. Also, be sure to lock any gates or exterior doors securely. Use thick, cylinder locks or even those labeled “pick-resistant.” If you don’t have an alarm system, play the part by buying an alarm system sign for your front door. Criminals won’t know the difference, and it may be the one thing that keeps them away.
Keep Your Valuables Hidden
On average, a home burglary can cost a family $1,700 in losses. If a burglar makes it inside your home, you can keep them from reaching your valuables by investing in a small home safe. Also, keep expensive items, like computer equipment or jewelry, out of view. Never leave personal documents in a home office or desk. Instead, put them in a spot no one would go looking for them, like a child’s toy box.
Tie Up Loose Ends
Often it’s the things no one thinks about that invite a robbery. Before you head off on your trip, call the post office to hold your mail, and cancel your newspaper and other subscriptions. Also, if you are taking an extended trip, find a friend to have the sidewalks swept and hedges clipped regularly.