Here’s the scary truth: Even if you’re able to install thousands of dollars worth of security equipment, or house the scariest guard dog on the block, there is no guarantee that your home won’t be targeted by thiefs at some point. Whether or not you will actually experience a break-in isn’t fully in your control, but there are ways to make your home a turn-off to criminals.
So what can you do to make your home more secure when you’re away…and even when you’re home?
Yahoo! has offered these 5 Steps to Make Your Home a No-Go Zone for Bad Guys:
1. Lock Up – When is the last time you took a look at your door and window locks? Really, how well will they hold up if someone has some handy tools and a few minutes? Consider placing deadbolt locks on your exterior doors to lessen the chances of someone being able to gain access. Also, sliding doors should have a lock system that prevents them from being pried open or lifted off their tracks. What’s an easy, temporary fix? Place the pole from a broom or mop (or some PVC pipe) in the sliding track while you’re gone.
2. Talk with Your Neighbors – If you have a good relationship with your neighbors and trust that they won’t share your information with others, let them know when you will be out of town. Exchange emergency information with one another and ask that they text or call you if something, or someone, around your home doesn’t look right. Even better, ask that they keep an eye out for deliveries made to your home while you’re gone! Nothing says “No one is home” than a week’s worth of newspapers, mail and packages piling up on your door step. Most importantly, be sure to offer to do the same for them! One quick note: unless you feel confident that your neighbor won’t misuse the trust you’ve put in them, do not give them an extra key. You never know when it could go missing…or what in your home could go missing because of it!
3. “Ruff, Ruff” – Whether or not you have a dog, pretend you do when you’re not home! How? A “Beware of Dog” sign hung on your side fence can do the trick. Want to make robbers seriously think twice? Place a large dog bowl outside your door with the name printed “Kujo” or “Killer”.
4. Keep Your Home Looking Like, Well, You’re Home! – Keep your grass trimmed and the leaves raked. Why? These are immediate signals to robbers that you haven’t been home for a while. Making it appear as if you’re home can also be as simple as leaving the TV or radio on; or adding timers to your lights so that they turn on and off at different times of the day or night.
5. Get Tech-Savvy - If you have the financial capabilities to do so, we seriously recommend installing a security system. Security companies like ADT provide the technology and will call you (as well as the cops) if your alarm goes off. While there is a monthly fee, it’s worth it if you want peace of mind that at least someone is looking out for your home while you’re away. Nowadays, you can even install your own security systems that have apps for your phone! Forgot to set the alarm when you left for the mall? No problem, just do it from your phone while you’re shopping.
For more tips on how to make your home a safe haven, visit http://realestate.yahoo.com/promo/5-ways-to-make-your-home-safer.html
