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Summer has arrived and the long-anticipated family vacation is about to become a reality. Reservations have been made and packing has started. Lists of things to take are completed. Everyone is excited and can’t wait for the fun to begin!
It is important to remember, however, that the warm days of summer that make us think of family fun and vacations are the same warm days that make criminals think of breaking into homes left vacant during family vacations.
According to “Safeguard the World”, break-ins are indeed more common in the summer months. Here are some interesting statistics:
- 2,000,000 burglaries are reported each year.
- Burglaries tend to occur during the summer months.
- Approx 30% of all break-ins take place through an open door or window.
- 66% of all break-ins are residential.
- Residences without security systems are 300% more likely to be targets of burglaries.
So, how do you protect your home from break-ins and theft while you are away? Safety.com has some recommendations of things you can do that will make it less likely that you will be a target of thieves.
- Have your mail held at the post office or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail and your newspaper daily.
- Set timers on your lights or even radios and television set so that they come on at designated times. This makes potential burglars think that there is someone home. Along these lines, you might leave a car in the driveway and mow the lawn once a week. (An unkempt lawn is a common tip-off to burglars.)
- DO NOT share your vacation plans on Facebook or other social networks.
- Leave your contact information with a friend so that you can be reached in case of an emergency. (Don’t forget to leave a spare key with your friend in case of such an emergency.) Speaking of keys, pick up all your “hide-a-keys”. (Smart thieves know where to look for spare keys.)
- Make sure your security system is working properly. If you do not have a security system installed, contact B&W Fire Security Systems.
- For added security against fire, unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances.
- Place all your valuables and important personal papers in a fire-proof safe, or take them to a safe deposit box.
- Let your alarm company know the dates that you will be away, and make sure your alarm system is set before you leave.
