Summer Vacation Security: Locksmith Tips for Vacation Home Security
Whether you’re headed off to a family member’s wedding weekend or you’re taking a driving tour of the country—or anything in between—the summer months are some of the most heavy travel times in the U.S. When you leave your home unattended, you open it up as a target to thieves but, unfortunately, it’s not always easy or possible to have someone to watch over your home while you’re gone. Without that human presence, home security can be a big concern. Don’t let those worries get in the way of you enjoying your trip! Try these measures to improve home security when you aren’t there.
Straight to the Source
A 2012 study conducted by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte interviewed more than 400 men and women across the country who were incarcerated for home burglary to see what trends occurred. The answers provide insight into the minds of burglars and offer suggestions that can help improve home security when you aren’t home. Based on the study’s findings, these are a few things you can do to help prevent break-ins while you’re out.
Lock Up
More than 40 percent of burglars admitted that many of their thefts were “spur of the moment,” and happened based on opportunity more than planning. And, surprisingly, a lot of that opportunity occurred when a burglar happened across an unlocked door or window while checking out a home. So, the first step in securing your home is ensuring all windows are locked after you close them and you don’t forget to lock the deadbolt on your way out.
Make it Obvious
More than 60 percent of the burglars polled said that visual security measures were enough to send them looking for another target. These measures could include everything from an automatically locking keyless entry system to video cameras and a home alarm system. For your own peace of mind, many keyless entry systems and home security systems alike can be connected to the wi-fi in your home and set up to alert you any time someone enters without a code. In the case of keyless entry systems, you can even get notified when someone enters with a code as well!
Don’t Warn About Security
Most burglars surveyed took the time to try to determine if an alarm system was actually installed on the home—which means that, sadly, a sign warning about a security system isn’t enough. Along those lines, signs or stickers warning about protection via firearm aren’t much of a deterrent. In fact, thieves target homes that proclaim to be “Proud NRA Members” because guns can be sold illegally for a good profit.
Create a Human Presence
More often than not, burglaries were a matter of chance, not planning. If you’ll be gone, find a way to make it look like you’re still home. Light-sensor powered light switches can be an effective method to make it seem like someone is home. In addition, smart home technology like remote-powered TVs, sound systems, or other options that can be turned off and on remotely can be a great way to make it appear as if someone is home.
If you’re looking for help securing your Columbus home, you need the lock experts at Buckeye Locksmith for everything from installation and re-keying to keyless entry systems. Contact our knowledgeable locksmith team today to get started!
