Summer is a time when many people take vacations and leave their homes unoccupied for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, this also makes your home a prime target for burglars.
Statistics show that burglary rates increase by as much as 33% during the summer months. And if you’re one of the unlucky homeowners whose house gets broken into, you can expect to lose an average of $2,000 in belongings.
Georgetown Locksmiths would like to offer some tips and tricks to help secure your home this summer. Our locksmiths are experts in home security and can help you install or upgrade your current security system. We also offer 24/7 emergency service so that you can always get help when you need it most.
Tips and Tricks to Secure Your Home This Summer
1. Install Deadbolt Locks
One of the best ways to secure your home is by installing deadbolt locks on all your doors. Deadbolts are much more difficult to pick than regular door locks, so they will deter most burglars from even trying to break in. In addition, you should also make sure that your deadbolts are properly installed and aligned so that they can’t be easily forced open.
2. Get a Home Security System
Another great way to secure your home is to install a home security system. A security system will not only deter burglars, but it will also alert the authorities if someone does break into your home. There are many different types of security systems available, so you can find one that fits your budget and your needs.
3. Keep Your Doors and Windows Locked
One of the most important things you can do to secure your home is to keep your doors and windows locked at all times. Many burglars simply walk through an unlocked door or window to gain entry into a home. Make sure to lock all your doors and windows, even when you’re home, to deter would-be burglars.
4. Don’t Hide Spare Keys Outside
Many people hide spare keys outside their homes in case they get locked out. However, this is actually a very bad idea because it gives burglars easy access to your home. If you must hide a spare key, hide it in a place that is not easily accessible, such as under a rock or in a potted plant.
If you need access to extra keys, keep them in your wallet or purse. Don’t write your address on them if you want to use them. You may lend a key to a neighbor, friend, or family member while away so that they can check on the animals or take care of other duties. Set an alert for when you’re back home to collect spare keys.
5. Install Motion-Sensing Lights
Another great way to deter burglars is to install motion-sensing lights around your home. Burglars don’t like to be seen, so they will avoid homes that are well-lit. Motion-sensing lights will turn on automatically when someone approaches your home, which will make it difficult for a burglar to break in undetected.
6. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Burglars often target homes where they can see valuables through windows or doorways. To deter burglars, keep valuables out of sight and away from windows. Ensure expensive items such as computers, tablets, phones, or jewelry are out of plain sight or stored in safes or other inconspicuous and secure locations. For example, you might want to keep your laptop in a drawer or closet instead of on your desk where it can be easily seen by anyone passing by.
Keep your vehicle in mind as a possible target as well. Any valuables should be hidden from view or brought inside your home. It’s critical that you don’t leave anything valuable in your car, including garage door openers. These can be an open invitation for thieves to steal and gain easy access to your house, especially if you have an attached garage.
7. Hire a Reputable House Sitter
If you’re going to be away from home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to find a reputable house sitter to watch over your property. A house sitter will not only keep an eye on your home, but they can also deter burglars just by being present. House sitters can also take in your mail and newspapers so that it doesn’t look like you’re away, which can be a target for burglars.
8. Make Your Home Look Occupied
Burglars often target homes that look unoccupied because they are easier to break into. To make your home look occupied, leave a light on when you go out at night or put a timer on your television.
If you have a smart security system, you can control home protection from anywhere in the world. Consider smart outlets and LED bulbs to control your home’s lighting. You can also set an app rule to activate smart bulbs should your camera detect outdoor motion.
9. Keep Your Yard Clean
A messy yard is often a sign of an unoccupied home so it can be a burglar’s dream come true. To deter burglars, keep your yard clean and free of debris. Cut the grass regularly and trim any bushes or trees that are blocking your windows or doors.
If you’ll be away for an extended time, have your landscape maintained and watered on a regular basis. You may also remotely control outdoor sprinkler system watering schedules to make it appear like you’re at home and actively maintaining the grounds.
10. Be Smart About Social Media
Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends and family, but it can also be a great tool for burglars. To deter burglars, be smart about what you post on social media. Don’t post photos of your valuables or your home address. In addition, don’t announce when you’ll be gone on vacation or for an extended period of time.
11. Purchase Indoor & Outdoor Security Cameras
Nowadays, security cameras are more affordable than ever and they can be a great deterrent for burglars. Place indoor and outdoor security cameras around your home to make it more difficult for burglars to break in undetected. In addition, if a burglar does break into your home, you’ll have footage that can be used to help identify the perpetrator.
12. Keep All Window Coverings Closed & Drawn
Although you may be tempted to leave your curtains or blinds open for extra sunlight, it is best to keep them closed when you are not home. Make sure that you have full coverage on all of your windows and doors. This will prevent anyone from looking in or seeing through your home.
13. Keep Your Garage Door Closed & Locked
An open garage door is an invitation for burglars. To deter burglars, make sure to keep your garage door closed and locked at all times. In addition, don’t leave your garage door opener in your car where it can be easily stolen.
14. Store Ladders & Tools in a Secure Location
Ladders and tools can be used by burglars to break into your home. To deter burglars, store ladders and tools in a secure location where they can’t be easily accessed. In addition, don’t leave ladders or tools lying around in your yard where they can be used to break into your home.
15. Get an Alarm System Installed
An alarm system is one of the best ways to deter burglars. When burglars see an alarm system, they are less likely to target your home because they don’t want to risk getting caught. In addition, if a burglar does break into your home, the alarm will sound and notify the authorities.
Secure your home by calling Georgetown Locksmith Pros today!
Our locksmiths are available 24/7 to help you with all your security needs.
Summer is a great time to go on vacation, but it’s also a time when burglaries and home invasions increase. Don’t let your home be an easy target – call Georgetown Locksmith Pros today and let us help you secure your home.
We can install deadbolts, window locks, and security systems to help keep your home safe. We’re also available 24/7 for emergency services.
FAQs About Tips and Tricks to Secure Your Home This Summer
What are some common summertime burglaries?
Some common summertime burglaries include breaking into homes through unlocked doors and windows, stealing valuables from yards or porches, and smashing windows to gain entry.
What are some signs that my home may be at risk?
There are several signs that your home may be at risk for burglary:
You don’t have an alarm system
Your locks are old or outdated
You have valuables visible from windows or doors
Your home looks unoccupied
Your windows and doors are not secured
If you see any of these signs, it’s important to take action to secure your home. Burglaries can happen at any time, so it’s important to be proactive about your home security.
What should I do if I think my home has been burglarized?
If you think your home has been burglarized, the first thing you should do is call the police. Once the police have arrived, they will conduct an investigation and gather evidence. It’s important to not touch anything in your home, as this could potentially contaminate the evidence. Once the police have finished their investigation, you can start to assess the damage and take steps to secure your home.
What should I do if I see a burglar trying to break into my home?
If you see a burglar trying to break into your home, the best thing to do is call the police immediately. Do not try to confront the burglar yourself, as this could be dangerous. Let the professionals handle it and stay safe.
Why is it important to secure my home during the summer months?
Burglaries tend to increase during the summer months as people are more likely to be away on vacation. By taking steps to secure your home, you can deter burglars and help keep your family and belongings safe.
What are some common mistakes people make when securing their homes?
One common mistake is not trimming back bushes or trees near doors and windows. This provides potential burglars with a place to hide while they try to break into your home. Another mistake is leaving valuables in plain sight. Burglars are more likely to target a home if they can see valuable items through the windows. Finally, failing to lock all doors and windows is an open invitation for burglars to come inside.
I'm worried about my security system while I'm away on vacation. What should I do?
If you have a security system, it's important to make sure it's working properly before you leave on vacation. You should also notify the security company that you'll be away so they can keep an eye on your property. Finally, it's a good idea to have a trusted neighbor or friend check in on your home while you're gone to make sure everything is okay.
How Do I Make My House Look Occupied During Weekend Trips?
Time your lighting - One of the best security measures you can take is to have your lights turn on at a certain time every night, such as when it gets dark. Anyone observing your house while you're sleeping will assume someone is home and has just gone up the steps and switched on the lights.
Have some pals assist you - It's a smart idea to set up a timetable with a friend or neighbor so they can collect your mail and keep an eye on the house. They may also help by opening and shutting your curtains at scheduled intervals. You may allow someone into your home to do this and check the locks via an app once they've departed using a smart lock.
Increase safety - Don't make it easy for criminals to get in. Locks should be placed on gates, there should be visible security cameras and lights that clearly illuminate the driveway when someone approaches the home. If you don't have a guard dog, consider displaying a "Beware of Dog" sign on your gate. These measures will encourage a robber to reconsider entering your residence.
Make it seem inhabited - If an intruder gets close to your home, there are further deterrents. For example, turn on a radio at a low volume or set up a light with the blue flicker of a TV screen as a timer. If someone peeks in through a window, leave several objects strewn about for the property to appear occupied. Nothing screams "I'm away!" than an immaculate house, so leave an open book and glasses on the arm of a chair or toys in the middle of the floor to suggest you've departed.
Summer is a time when many people take vacations and leave their homes empty for extended periods of time.
Burglars know this, which is why it’s more important than ever to take some simple precautions to secure your home before you leave.
Here at Georgetown Locksmith Pros, we want to help you protect your home from burglars this summer. We’ve put together a list of tips and tricks that will help keep your home safe while you’re away.
Follow our tips and you can relax knowing your home is well-protected while you’re on vacation. Plus, you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that Georgetown Locksmith Pros is always here to help if something goes wrong.
Contact us at (512)777-0051 or email us at dispatch@georgetown-locksmith.co to learn more about our services.