Property Protection Facts
When you go on vacation, or simply leave for work in the morning, the last thing you want to worry about is the security of your home.
Visibly empty houses are prime targets for vandalism or break-ins, and the threat is real. According to the FBI, more than 2.1 million burglaries occurred in the U.S. in 2010, with an average $2,100 dollar loss per incident.
By now, you probably know the drill: always lock your doors and windows, stop your mail and newspapers prior to vacations, and put your lights on a timer. Here are some additional helpful suggestions to prevent you from becoming a victim of a burglary or an act of vandalism.
Helpful Property Protection Tips
- Don’t post your travel plans on social media sites, talk about your trip with casual acquaintances, or leave notes on the front door indicating that you’re not home.
- Install outdoor lighting (activated by a photocell or movement) to illuminate the area around your home at night.
- Consider purchasing a security system that directly alerts police to intruders.
- Turn down the volume on your answering machine and ringer so that it can’t be heard outside.
- Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions, but be sure to keep valuables out of sight.
- Cover the windows in your garage door so no one can see that your car is gone.
- Trim shrubs and large trees so trespassers have fewer hiding spots.
- Leave a locked vehicle in your driveway or have your neighbor park there if you go out of town.
- Ask a neighbor or pay a service to take out your garbage, shovel the walk or mow your lawn.
