As you begin to get out more and even travel(!) remember to protect your home and family against the threats of intruders or thieves. Many people make avoidable mistakes every day that put themselves at higher risk for burglary. Here are five of the most common safety mis-steps to avoid for better home security and peace of mind.
Don’t: Hide A Spare Key Outside Your Door
Sometimes it is tempting to let convenience override reason, but this very common practice is so well-known that it practically defeats its own purpose. A key under the doormat or a potted plant is the first thing an intruder will check for because it gives them quick, easy access to your home without raising suspicion from onlookers. Avoid this mistake unless you want to aid any would-be thief with your unwitting assistance in entering your home uninvited.
Don’t: Post Travel Plans On Social Media
If you plan to be away from your home and publish it online, that can be a major mistake that lets people know when your home will be most vulnerable and for how long. To a burglar, reading that you will be in the Bahamas for a week sounds like an invitation to stop by and check your place out uninterrupted. If you want to share your vacation photos with your friends and family on social media, wait until you return from your travels to recap your trip instead of giving advance notice or daily updates. This way you can share your fun without advertising your absence.
Don’t: Leave Boxes From Expensive Items In Your Trash
Some intruders regularly sift through the garbage in target neighborhoods looking for clues as to who has the newest and best stuff that can be turned for a profit. If you recently invested in an expensive item or maybe new jewelry, your trash will contain the remnants they need to determine your home is a worthy mark. So avoid leaving the big box from your new TV out on the curb, as it may be the encouragement someone needs to take a closer look.
Don’t: Let Mail And Packages Pile Up
If you go out of town or otherwise cannot attend to your deliveries, make sure to ask someone you trust to check in regularly and collect your mail and any packages that may arrive in your absence. Let them know when deliveries are expected and monitor your services for confirmations of delivery. If an intruder is scanning doorsteps and they spot one with a mountain of mail and a box or two crowding the front door, that gives them the idea that whoever lives there is not paying close attention— or even better, is not home at all. Do not let something so simple and avoidable put your home at risk.
Don’t: Leave Doors, Windows And Garage Doors Unlocked
This may seem like an obvious one, but always lock your doors. When you are trying to keep up with your busy schedule and paying attention to more important things, something small like locking a door, closing a window, or pushing the button on your garage door remote control can slip your mind. It is surprisingly common for burglaries to take place without forced entry because someone showed up and just walked right in. Make sure to take a moment and check that your home is secure every time you leave it.
Developing good safety habits is an important step in deterring crime, and being aware of areas you can improve is a great first step to making your home a safer place. If you find yourself making a habit of any of these common mistakes, don’t worry! It is easy to correct these situations and promote a safer environment going forward now that you know what to keep in mind. And it helps to know that you are not alone. At TiTan Alarms we are here to assist you 24/7/365 with expert insight and friendly, local customer service to make your home security a convenient, stress-free experience. Call us today at (918) 777-SAFE to find out how we can help you stay safe with a customized home security system that meets your needs. Learn why Tulsa Trusts TiTan!