According to a recent report by the Arizona Department of Public Safety, burglaries constitute a significant portion of crimes that occurred in Arizona this year, accounting for 6.3% of total crimes in the state in 2023.
With over 7,000 reported burglary cases so far this year, it’s essential to consider methods to safeguard your home, especially when you’re away.
While not everyone can afford an expensive security system, there are simple yet effective strategies that can turn your home into a fortress and deter potential thieves from targeting your property. In this article, we’ll explore twelve practical ways to ensure your home’s safety while you’re away.
Hide Valuables During Home Services:
Whenever strangers, such as repairmen or plumbers, are in your home, take precautions to hide valuable belongings. While most workers are trustworthy, it’s better to be cautious. Keep cash, jewelry, and electronics out of sight to prevent any temptation.
Silence Your Phone:
Clever burglars might call your landline and listen for an answer to determine if anyone is home. Muting or lowering the phone’s volume can confuse potential intruders, making them uncertain about the home’s occupancy.
Install Reliable Locks:
Front door security is crucial, as around 34% of burglaries involve entry through the front door. Invest in a Grade 1 or Grade 2 heavy-duty deadbolt lock, known for its reliability. Avoid labeling your keys and consider a smart lock controlled via smartphone for added convenience and security.
With remote monitoring and the ability to grant access digitally, smart locks provide peace of mind, making your home less susceptible to break-ins. Secure your sanctuary with these comprehensive measures.
One more thing, get your door locks serviced regularly.
Regular lock servicing is an often overlooked but crucial aspect of home security, particularly in preventing burglary. While many homeowners may assume that their locks are secure and in good working condition, the reality is that locks can degrade over time due to wear and tear, exposure to the elements, and even attempted break-ins.
You can call any Phoenix locksmith to get lock installation and lock repairs done.
Secure Your Windows:
Approximately 23% of burglars in the US enter through first-floor windows. Installing grills or reinforcing windows with security film, screens, or shatterproof glass can deter potential intruders.
Maintain Your Property:
Maintaining your property is a pivotal step in safeguarding it from potential burglaries, especially when you’re away.
An unkempt appearance can signal that your home is unoccupied and an easy target. Regular upkeep, such as mowing the lawn, trimming shrubbery, and clearing pathways, creates the impression that someone is present, effectively deterring burglars. Strategic landscaping can also play a role—trimming shrubs near entrances eliminates potential hiding spots, making your property less appealing to intruders.
In winter, keeping paths clear prevents your home from appearing deserted. Equally vital is ensuring proper lighting around your property. Well-lit exteriors make it challenging for burglars to approach undetected.
Additionally, coordinating with neighbors for a cohesive effort can enhance security. When everyone maintains their properties, it sends a collective message that the community is vigilant against crime.
By consistently tending to your property’s appearance and collaborating with neighbors, you substantially reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted by burglars, contributing to a safer living environment overall.
Display “Protected Property” Signs:
Play on burglars’ fear of getting caught by placing signs indicating your property is protected. This simple yet effective strategy can make them think twice before attempting a break-in.
Dispose of Packaging Discreetly:
Discard packaging from expensive items discreetly. Breaking down boxes before disposal prevents potential burglars from being alerted to valuable new acquisitions.
When you acquire valuable items, be cautious when discarding their packaging. Burglars often scour neighborhoods for signs of new acquisitions. To prevent drawing unwanted attention, break down boxes and packaging before disposal. This simple step helps avoid showcasing your recent purchases and reduces the risk of burglary.
Pretend Someone Is Home:
When leaving your home, consider turning back and waving, creating the illusion that someone is still present. This can deter opportunistic burglars waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Check Your Locks:
Before entering your home, check your locks for any signs of tampering, such as scratches. This proactive approach allows you to respond quickly to any potential threats.
Allow Sunlight In:
When you’re away, avoid completely closing your curtains for extended periods. Sunlight entering your home gives the impression of occupancy, dissuading potential burglars.
Utilize Abrasive Foliage:
Planting prickly and abrasive plants like dog roses or Dewberries under windows and along fences can create a physical deterrent for burglars, making entry more challenging.
Be Cautious of Phone Calls:
Be cautious when sharing information over the phone with unfamiliar service companies. Burglars often pose as service providers to gather information about your property and routines. Avoid disclosing details that could aid potential break-ins.
Avoid Sharing Holiday Pictures on Social Media While on Vacation:
Refraining from posting social media pictures of your holidays is a fundamental measure to mitigate the risk of burglary.
While sharing vacation moments online has become commonplace, it also inadvertently broadcasts your absence from home. Burglars check out social media platforms for such cues, identifying vacant properties to exploit.
By resisting the urge to showcase your travels in real time, you safeguard your home from becoming an easy target. Instead, consider sharing your experiences after returning, ensuring that your posts don’t provide real-time information about your absence.
Prioritizing privacy settings is equally essential—limit your audience to trusted friends and family, preventing your vacation updates from falling into the wrong hands. Furthermore, consider disabling location tagging, which can disclose your exact whereabouts.
This way, you can minimize the risk of burglary incidents at your home.
The Conclusion:
In conclusion, safeguarding your home from burglaries is crucial, especially considering the alarming statistics. While not everyone can afford a high-tech security system, these twelve practical tips can significantly enhance your home’s security when you’re away.
By following these strategies, you can create a safer living environment and discourage potential intruders from targeting your property. Remember, even simple measures can go a long way in protecting your home and giving you peace of mind.
