Whether you’re out on the town running errands for a few hours or relaxing on a white sand beach for a few days, there’s one thought that may creep its way into your mind: Is my home safe from a burglar while I’m away?
According to the United States Department of Justice, there are around 2.5 million home burglaries throughout the country each year. Fortunately, there are countless things you can do to make a burglary in your home much less likely. Austin has gathered together eight of the best tips on how to help make your home burglar-proof while you’re not there.
- Purchase a doorbell camera.
Not only are homeowners with doorbell cameras far less likely to experience a break-in, if the camera does detect any movement by your door, you will be notified and be able to get video access to what’s going on. This way, if it really is a thief trying to break in, you can instantly contact your local authorities. - Limit how much you post on social media.
While you are away, posting your current location on Facebook, Instagram or another social platform may not be in your best interest. Thieves may see your post informing your followers that you’ll be on vacation for the next week, or embarking on a weekend road trip, and view it as a perfect opportunity to break into your home, knowing that you won’t be around. - Set timers on your outdoor and indoor lights.
This can help give the impression that people are home as usual. Believing that you are home will likely deter a burglar from seeing your home as a target. - Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside your home.
A burglar is probably familiar with all the common hiding spots for a spare key. If you are someone who tends to leave an extra key under the welcome mat or in a flower pot, you should opt for leaving the key with a close friend, family member, or trustworthy neighbor. - Leave on the radio or television.
This is another quick tip that will give the impression that someone is home. Again, burglars typically look for an opportunity where they’re certain no one is around. - Disconnect your garage door opener or lock the garage door.
Electronic garage door openers are a potential access point for burglars. It’s possible for them to hack the device and easily enter your home. If you own a nonelectric garage door, it’s crucial to ensure it’s securely locked when you leave home so intruders can’t open it and use it as an access point to get inside. - Make sure all windows are locked.
No matter the size or height of the window, burglars and thieves view them as a point of entry. Before you leave, ensure all windows are securely locked so that no one from the outside will be able to slide them open. - Have friends, family, or trustworthy neighbors check-in.
One effective way to make it seem like your home looks occupied is having close friends and family pay a visit. Not only does this practice provide an additional layer of security, but it also creates the impression of an occupied and cared-for property, deterring potential intruders. They can collect your mail so it doesn’t pile up, among other things that make it look like the house is being lived in.
At Austin, your home is in good hands.
Even though you may take all these precautions, unfortunately it doesn’t mean you are 100% protected from a home burglary. If your home is affected by a break-in, you’ll be happy to know that a standard home insurance policy typically covers it. This could include helping to replace stolen items, fix broken locks or windows, and more. If you have questions about your homeowners policy and what it covers, or what to do if you experience a burglary, don’t hesitate to reach out to Austin with all of your concerns.
