Travelling and having vacations should be a period of great fun and relaxation. But you leave behind your precious family home with memories and sentimental items. This article will give you a handful of very powerful tips to keep your home safe while you are away enjoying yourself!
Leaving your home for an extended period of time, especially when you’re traveling, can leave your property vulnerable to burglars. It’s during these times that burglars may see your vacant home as an easy target. However, there are practical steps published by home security company Auckland CCTV you can take to safeguard your family home and keep it safe from potential intruders.
Use Timed Lights Inside Your Home
To protect your home while you’re away and create the impression of an occupied property, timed lights can be your secret weapon. These simple yet effective visual deterrents can make burglars think twice before attempting a break-in.
Normal Lights On Time
Setting your light timer to mimic your regular daily routines can help create the illusion that someone is at home, deterring potential intruders. Here’s how to do it:
- Program your light timer to turn on the lights at typical times, such as in the evening after sundown.
- Ensure the lights are also activated in the morning before sunrise, as these are common times for people to use lights in their homes.
- It’s essential to turn them off during conventional sleep hours to maintain the appearance of normal activity.
Intermittent Light Activity
In addition to having lights on during usual times, consider adding intermittent light activity in different rooms where you don’t typically spend extended periods. Here are a few areas to focus on:
- Bathrooms: Timed lights in the bathroom can create the impression that someone is using them periodically throughout the day or night.
- Garage: The garage is another excellent place for intermittent light activity, as it suggests that someone may be coming and going, adding to the illusion of an occupied property.
By using timed lights strategically in your home, you can give the impression that your property is not an easy target for burglars, ultimately enhancing the security of your home while you’re away.
Install Motion Sensor Lights Outside Your House
Another effective way to enhance your home’s security is by installing motion sensor lights outside your house. These lights not only help deter potential intruders but also serve as a psychological deterrent, making burglars think twice before approaching your property.
Motion Sensors for Detection
Motion sensor lights work by detecting movement in their vicinity. When an intruder approaches your home, the motion sensor triggers the light to turn on. This sudden illumination can startle the intruder, making them aware that they’ve been detected. It’s like a virtual spotlight, shining a light on their activities.
Drawing Attention to Intruders
One of the primary benefits of motion sensor lights is their ability to draw attention to intruders. Here’s how it works:
- Burglars prefer the cover of darkness to remain unseen. When the motion sensor light suddenly turns on at night, it exposes their presence.
- The unexpected burst of light can attract attention from neighbors, passersby, or anyone nearby, increasing the chances that someone will notice and report the suspicious activity.
- The knowledge that they’ve been exposed and are potentially being observed can be a powerful deterrent, causing intruders to flee the scene rather than risk being caught.
Installing motion sensor lights around your property is a cost-effective and practical way to enhance the security of your home. It not only serves as a physical barrier but also creates a psychological barrier that makes your home less attractive to potential burglars.
Keep Your Lawn Mowed and Garden Tidy
Maintaining the exterior of your home is just as important as securing the interior when it comes to deterring burglars. A tidy lawn and garden not only enhance your property’s curb appeal but also send a clear message that someone is actively looking after the place.
Tidy Lawn Implies Activity
A well-kept lawn implies that there’s someone living in and caring for the property. Burglars often target homes that appear vacant and neglected, as they present an easier opportunity for a break-in. By ensuring your lawn is regularly mowed and well-maintained, you create the impression that your home is occupied, making it a less tempting target.
Lawn Maintenance Strategies
To maintain a tidy lawn while you’re away, consider these strategies:
- Get Help from Friends: Enlist the help of trustworthy friends or neighbors who can mow your lawn and tend to your garden while you’re traveling. Their assistance not only keeps your property looking cared for but also reinforces the appearance of an active household.
- Professional Landscapers: If you prefer a more hands-off approach, hiring professional landscapers is an excellent option. Landscapers can maintain your lawn, trim bushes, and ensure your garden remains tidy, all while you’re away.
Trimming Bushes and Hedges
In addition to mowing the lawn, pay attention to the bushes and hedges around your property. These can provide cover for potential intruders, allowing them to approach your home discreetly. Keeping them trimmed serves the same purpose as a tidy lawn—it implies someone is present and attentive to the property, discouraging burglars from attempting a break-in.
By maintaining your lawn and garden, you not only boost your home’s overall appearance but also send a clear message to potential burglars: your property is well-cared for and not an easy target. This simple yet effective measure can contribute significantly to the security of your home while you’re away.
Clear Your Mailbox and Don’t Let Packages Linger
When it comes to home security while you’re away, paying attention to your mailbox and packages is often overlooked but can be a crucial detail. A full mailbox and lingering packages can inadvertently signal to potential burglars that your home is vacant and an easy target.
A Sign of an Occupied Property
A mailbox that’s regularly cleared and a doorstep free of packages send a visual message that your property is occupied and well-maintained. This is an important deterrent for burglars, as they tend to prefer homes that appear unattended.
Swift Mail and Package Handling
To maintain the appearance of an active household, follow these steps:
- Enlist the Help of Friends or Neighbors: Ask reliable friends or neighbors to check your mailbox and doorstep regularly while you’re away. When they promptly collect your letters and packages, it creates the impression that someone is actively managing the property.
- Avoid Lingering Packages: Lingering packages can be a clear indication that no one is home to receive them. If you’re ordering items online or expecting deliveries, try to schedule them for a time when you or your designated caretaker will be present to accept them.
By keeping your mailbox clear and ensuring packages are promptly taken care of, you maintain the illusion of an occupied property. This simple step can deter potential burglars who may be looking for visual cues that a home is vacant and an easy target.
Keep a Loud Guard Dog
Having a dog as a part of your household can be an excellent security measure, thanks to their natural instinct to protect their territory. A dog’s presence alone can act as a deterrent to potential burglars. However, it’s essential to keep in mind both the benefits and responsibilities that come with having a guard dog.
Dogs as Deterrents
Dogs, regardless of their size or breed, can serve as a great deterrent against burglars. They have a keen sense of hearing and smell, which makes them highly alert to any unusual activity around your home. When they sense a potential threat, dogs are quick to respond, often with loud and intimidating barking.
The Bark as an Alarm
A dog’s bark is like a built-in alarm siren. It not only alerts you to potential intruders but also draws attention from neighbors and passersby. This audible deterrent can discourage burglars from attempting a break-in, as the risk of being detected increases significantly.
However, it’s crucial to be aware that some determined burglars may resort to harming or even killing a dog to gain access to your property. Therefore, while a guard dog can be a valuable asset for home security, it’s equally important to ensure their safety and well-being, especially during extended periods of absence.
Extended Periods of Absence
If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider the following to ensure your guard dog remains healthy and happy:
- Adequate Care: Arrange for someone you trust to take care of your dog. This includes providing them with plenty of food and clean water daily.
- Regular Check-Ups: Schedule regular check-ups with a friend or neighbour to ensure your dog’s health is maintained in your absence.
- Shelter: Ensure your dog has proper shelter from the elements, whether it’s in the form of a doghouse or a secure indoor space.
By responsibly caring for your guard dog and understanding the role they play in your home security, you can enjoy the benefits of their presence while keeping them safe and well during your travels.
Neighborhood Watch Programs
Ensuring the safety of your home while you’re away involves more than just securing your property; it extends to the broader community in which you live. Neighborhood watch programs are a powerful way to strengthen collective safety, deter potential burglars, and foster a sense of community trust.
The Effectiveness of Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood watch schemes have proven to be highly effective at lowering crime rates in communities. Studies conducted in the UK have shown remarkable results, with crime reductions ranging from 16% to 26% in areas with active neighborhood watches. These programs bring neighbors together to watch out for one another, creating a safer community for everyone.
A Deterrent in Itself
The mere presence of a neighborhood watch can be a powerful deterrent to potential burglars. Knowing that the community is actively engaged in looking out for suspicious activity can make them think twice before targeting homes in the area. Neighborhood watch signs and stickers prominently displayed in the community send a clear message that residents are vigilant about their safety and security.
By participating in or supporting a neighborhood watch program, you not only contribute to the safety of your own home but also help create a safer environment for your entire community. It’s a collective effort that strengthens neighborhood bonds and fosters a sense of trust among neighbors, ultimately making your area a less appealing target for burglars.
Home Security/CCTV Surveillance Stickers and Labels
You don’t always need a fully functioning home security system to deter potential burglars. Sometimes, the mere appearance of security can be enough to make them reconsider. This is where stickers and labels indicating CCTV surveillance come into play.
The Power of Visual Deterrence
Visual deterrence is all about creating the perception that your home is well-protected, even if you don’t have an actual functioning security system. Stickers and labels that mimic CCTV surveillance can be remarkably effective in achieving this goal.
The Psychological Effect
Burglars often prefer easy targets—homes that appear vulnerable and unprotected. When they see stickers or labels indicating CCTV surveillance, it can trigger a psychological response. They may worry about being caught on camera, which could lead to their identification and apprehension by law enforcement.
Even though these stickers and labels are not connected to a real system, the fear of being recorded can be a powerful deterrent. Burglars are more likely to move on to a less risky target, leaving your home untouched.
By strategically placing these visual deterrents around your property, you can create the impression of a well-protected home, discouraging potential burglars from even attempting a break-in. It’s a simple yet effective way to enhance your home’s security while you’re away.
Home Security Systems & CCTV: Deterrent and Active Response
When it comes to protecting your home, home security systems and Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) play a vital role. They act as both deterrents and active response measures, making your home less appealing to burglars and providing real-time protection, even when you’re not there.
The Importance of Home Security
Home security is one of the most reliable ways to safeguard your residence. Short of having armed guards, which are out of reach for most of us, an automated security system equipped with CCTV cameras and alarm sensors is your best bet.
Deterrent Effect of Cameras and Alarms
Studies conducted among inmates in the USA have revealed some eye-opening statistics. Cameras alone can deter up to 43% of burglary attempts, while alarms can dissuade up to 46%. These gadgets act as visual deterrents, signaling to potential burglars that your home is not an easy target.
CCTV Security Cameras
CCTV security cameras are the watchful eyes of your home security system. They serve multiple purposes:
- Identify the Intruder: In the event of a break-in, CCTV cameras can capture images of the intruder, providing valuable evidence for law enforcement.
- Evidence Collection: Should a burglary occur, the footage from these cameras can serve as solid evidence for insurance claims and criminal investigations.
- Identifying Weak Spots: CCTV cameras also help identify vulnerabilities in your home security, allowing you to make necessary improvements.
- Aiding Law Enforcement: When a crime takes place, the footage can assist the police in identifying and apprehending the culprits more swiftly.
Alarm Systems with Sensors
Alarm systems are another crucial component of home security. They come with various types of sensors that detect unauthorized entry. Loud alarms or sirens are an immediate psychological deterrent for burglars, notifying them that they’ve been detected. Silent alarms, on the other hand, discreetly alert individuals connected to the system, ensuring a swift response.
Remote Monitoring: Turning Security Systems into Active Response
Modern CCTV systems can be linked to smartphones and other monitoring devices, allowing you to keep an eye on your property even when you’re away. You don’t need to be physically present to monitor real-time footage, thanks to remote monitoring. When an intruder is detected, the system sends instant notifications, enabling law enforcement to be dispatched promptly.
24/7 Security Monitoring Companies
For added peace of mind, there are dedicated security monitoring companies that can oversee your system round the clock. As soon as they receive an alert of a break-in, they review your footage. If an intruder is spotted, they not only contact law enforcement but also dispatch a security officer to the scene.
Incorporating a professionally installed security system with CCTV and alarm sensors, along with the option of remote monitoring or 24/7 security monitoring, provides comprehensive protection for your home. These systems not only serve as deterrents but also offer an active response, making your home a less attractive target for burglars and enhancing your residential security.
Conclusion
As you embark on your travels and enjoy your well-deserved holidays, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of your home. A secure home while you’re away not only provides peace of mind but also safeguards your cherished belongings and memories. Throughout this article, we’ve explored a variety of effective methods to deter burglars and protect your property:
- Timed Lights: Creating the illusion of an occupied home with timed lights adds a layer of security that burglars find off-putting.
- Motion Sensor Lights: These lights not only surprise potential intruders but also draw attention to their presence, making them think twice.
- Lawn and Garden Maintenance: A well-kept exterior signifies an active household, deterring burglars who prefer empty targets.
- Mailbox and Package Care: Keeping your mailbox clear and packages promptly collected is a simple yet effective way to maintain the appearance of an occupied property.
- Guard Dogs: While guard dogs can be a loud and effective deterrent, it’s essential to ensure their well-being, especially during extended absences.
- Neighborhood Watch Programs: Engaging with your community through neighborhood watch programs not only lowers crime rates but also fosters trust among neighbors, making your area less inviting to criminals.
- Home Security Systems and CCTV: These modern security systems, equipped with cameras and alarms, offer both visual deterrence and active response capabilities. They can help prevent burglaries and provide valuable evidence if one occurs.
- Remote Monitoring and Security Companies: Remote monitoring turns your security system into an active response tool, and dedicated security companies provide round-the-clock oversight, adding an extra layer of protection.
By employing these methods, you can enjoy your travels and holidays with the confidence that your home is well-protected. Remember, home security is not just about physical barriers; it’s about creating the perception that your property is not an easy target. With the right precautions in place, you can make your home a fortress, ensuring that it remains safe and secure until your return.
