Even in 2022, burglaries and home thefts still continue to plague our communities. In 2020 there were over 522,000 burglaries in the U.S.. Whether you’re heading out for spring break or resting up before summer road trips and more, it’s important to be aware of best practices for discouraging break-ins and keeping vandals at bay.
We’ve compiled this list of 6 tips for keeping vandals from breaking in while you’re away from home.
Tips for Keeping Vandals from Breaking In
1. Alarms.
Having a quality alarm system not only alerts you to security risks and break-ins as they happen, having a prominently displayed security system can actually help to keep break-ins from happening in the first place. If a burglar sees that a home is protected they are more likely to move on to an easier target than risk being caught or found out later. Smart
2. Smart locks.
Amazon has hundreds of great smart lock solutions that give you control of your home. Sifley’s Keyless Entry Door Lock allows you set a unique code that removes the need for a traditional key, removing the risk of a vandal finding your spare under that fake rock the yard. This system also allows you to remotely access and lock/unlock your door from anywhere. If you’re on your way to the airport for spring vacation and realize you forgot to lock the front door, simply take out your phone and lock it remotely.
3. Smart plugs.
A dark house is one that seems unoccupied, and thus, one with a low-risk for vandals to be caught. If you have a neighbor or friend you trust with a key you can have them come over every now and again to turn lights on and off while you’re gone. However, these days there are actually simpler ways of protecting your home that save everyone time. Smart plugs allow you to access your home’s outlets from anywhere. This means you can turn lights on and off from miles away, letting you stay in control of your home. This also cuts your fire risk by allowing you to turn off any appliances left on, even when you’re not home.
4. Let there be light.
Speaking of lights, having motion-sensing lights can also be a great way to deter uninvited visitors. A well-lit property increases the likelihood of robbers being seen. Instead of taking a risk, many vandals will instead move on to an easier target with less risk of discovery.
5. Lawn-care.
If you’re planning on being gone more than a few days it may be a good idea to invest in lawn-care services. An overgrown lawn that looks unmaintained can be a signal that no one is home to properly care for the lawn.
6. Community.
On top of alarms, smart locks, and the other items we’ve listed, one of the most invaluable things to invest in for keeping vandals from breaking in is your community. Neighbors who look out for each other and have a close-knit community are more likely to be willing to help out with things like lawn-care, taking in mail, etc., AND are vigilant to let you know about any suspicion behavior as soon as it happens. Get to know your neighbors, even if it’s a simply hello.
Although these tips can help deter thieves and vandals, it’s impossible to prevent all incidents. If your home has been vandalized, call our team at MaxCARE 24/7 of Washington. We have 24/7 emergency services and are standing by to help you whenever you need us.