Install Motion Sensor Lights
Installing motion sensor lights is a highly effective method to enhance the security of your home. Criminals are deterred by attention, and the unexpected activation of an alarm, a barking dog, or a sudden flood of light can easily discourage them from proceeding with their intentions. Even when you are not present, there are measures you can take to catch these burglars off guard.
According to Brad Paine, the vice president and general manager of Connected Homes at Eaton’s Lighting Division, while no technology can completely eliminate the possibility of criminals, lighting plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of your home. Therefore, it is advisable to install motion activated lights that can detect any movement around the perimeter of your house. It is essential to ensure that these lights remain activated throughout the duration of your absence.
Vacation Mode Lighting
Ensure that your home is not left in darkness while you are away on vacation. By utilizing a vacation mode lighting system, you can create the appearance that someone is home by programming your lights to turn on and off at specific times. This can include having the lights come on in the morning, dimming them in the evening, and turning them off at night. Additionally, consider randomizing the timing to deter potential intruders.
Remote Lighting
Experience the convenience of remote-controlled lighting. With the advancements in technology, it has become incredibly simple to monitor and control your home even when you’re away. By using your smartphone, you can easily access and manage most smart lighting systems.
Nowadays, numerous smart lights and connected lighting systems offer remote-access capabilities. This means that you can effortlessly turn your lights on and off using your smartphone, whether you’re at work or enjoying a relaxing day at the beach. As Paine suggests, the key is to create the illusion of human activity. It’s important to avoid a situation where all your lights turn on or off simultaneously, as this may alert potential burglars. Similarly, having your outdoor lights on during the day can also raise suspicions.
Use Your TV
If you will only be away for the day, it may be worth considering keeping your television turned on while you are out. Many potential burglars are less likely to attempt a break-in if they hear noise or see the glow of a television screen coming from your house.
However, if you are going on a longer trip and understandably hesitant to leave the TV on for an extended period of time, you can opt for a FakeTV device. This device replicates the flickering light of a television, creating the illusion that someone is home. You can program these devices to activate at sundown or remain on throughout the day. Even the sound of a radio or music playing can be enough to deter potential intruders.
Park a Car in the Driveway
Establishing a positive rapport with your neighbors is crucial when you need to be away from home for an extended period. If you will be leaving your driveway vacant due to a trip, consider requesting a neighbor or family member to park their car there during your absence.
Sure, having a car parked in the driveway may not completely deter burglars. However, it does decrease the likelihood of a break-in.
Take Care of Newspapers and Mail
Ensure the safety of your home by managing your newspapers and mail effectively. Before leaving, make arrangements with the post office to hold your mail until you return. Additionally, seek assistance from neighbors to collect your mail and newspapers while you are away. Be cautious of potential burglars who may leave items at your door to monitor your absence. Inform your neighbors to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
Inspecting Lawn Care
When planning a getaway during the winter season, it is essential to ensure that your property remains inconspicuous. A lack of footprints in the snow on your lawn could attract the attention of potential thieves.
To prevent this, you can request a neighbor to walk through the fresh snow or to clear it using a shovel or snowblower if it has accumulated significantly. This basic measure can deceive a burglar. Regardless of the season, it is advisable to have someone keep an eye on your yard, particularly if you will be away for an extended period, allowing your lawn and plants to appear neglected.
Be cautious of your window blinds.
Unfortunate news: Intruders can discreetly observe your activities through your blinds. If you keep them fully open, it may only take a quick glance for criminals to deduce that the house is unoccupied.
Attempt to leave them slightly ajar, especially the ones on the ground floor. If you reside in an area with a higher risk of burglaries, it might be worth considering purchasing an automation kit that can automatically open and close the blinds based on a predetermined schedule.