Summer is a hot time for home burglaries. Once the temperatures begin to rise, so does the percentage of burglaries. As much as you’re looking forward to your once in a lifetime dream vacation, sleeping with your windows open or even nights spent outside with friends and family, so are the burglars. According to a report from the Department of Justice crime is more common in summer than winter with an increase of about 10% between June-August.
Law enforcement experts have stated many explanations for this rise in trends but a few key factors include:
- Traveling for vacation.
- Homeowners leave their windows open at night to cool down.
- Forgetting and leaving valuables unattended outside such as laptops, bikes, patio furniture, and more.
- Alcohol consumption.
The last thing you want to worry about during your summer vacation is leaving your home at risk of being burglarized. Here are a few simple ways to ensure your home’s safety while you’re vacationing this summer.
Make your home look lived in.
Empty houses are highly attractive to burglars. If you’re away on vacation create an illusion that everyone, or someone, is always home. This illusion is simple to demonstrate and can be done a number of ways such as:
- Leaving a car in the driveway.
- Keeping your TV or radio on, loud enough for someone to hear from outside.
- Always light up the dark with automatic porch lights or yard lights. Burglars don’t like to be in the spotlight.
- Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail + any delivered packages each day.
- Hire someone to keep your lawn well maintained. Any overgrown lawn will spark the eye of a burglar.
- Maintain the same daily routine by asking your neighbor for a hand. Have them draw the curtains at the same time each day, create footprints + tire marks in the driveway and front porch.
- Always remember to hand deliver your house key to them, never leave it in a secret hiding spot for someone else to find!
Secure your doors and windows.
Doors and windows are the most common entry points for burglars so be sure that both are shut and securely locked. Also remember to lock your garage door because this is another common entry point for burglars to try and enter through if your other doors won’t budge.
Avoid posting on social media.
No matter how much you want to post your new vacation pictures, don’t. Burglars often keep an eye out for any sign that someone has left their home unattended. If you’re posting that you’re away, this will immediately give burglars the green light to attempt to enter your home.
Install a home security system.
At AmeriGuard we can provide your home with a top of the line alarm system that offers an exceptional level of home security protection that’s easy to use for both you and your family. We install both traditional and wireless systems to customers’ homes with customized features to fit your needs.
Criminals don’t take vacations. So while you’re on yours ensure that your home is protected. Call AmeriGuard today at (559) 271-5984 and our trained associates will help you find the home security system best suited for your budget and your needs.