Tips for protecting your home from burglars

Did you know that most alarm systems are only installed after a break-in? Because we tend to underestimate the likelihood of bad things happening, many of us fail to be proactive when it comes to preventing burglaries. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself.

Preventing break-ins
Summer is a popular time for break-ins and research suggests that most of them happen Monday through Friday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Intruders often gain entry through a door.

To avoid being targeted by burglars, make sure valuables aren’t visible through a window and don’t leave them on your porch or in your backyard. It’s also a good idea to put away your tools, especially things like ladders and crowbars.

Garages are easy to force open, so make sure to lock any interior doors connecting your home to your garage.

Finally, never hide spare keys outside your home.

When you’re on vacation
If you’re going on a trip, fight the temptation to announce it on social media. While you’re away, take steps to make your home look occupied. Suspend your newspaper subscription, have someone mow your lawn and put your mail delivery on hold. Don’t leave your lights on unless you can put them on a timer to simulate human activity.

Remember, you can always ask a neighbor or friend to come around regularly to make sure everything is in order. You can also get someone you trust to housesit while you’re away.

If you install a security system, call your insurance company as soon as possible so they can lower your premiums.