When people take a vacation to “leave it all behind,” they also tend to leave their homes unoccupied. Unfortunately, these empty homes represent prime targets for thieves.
A revealing crime prevention survey of more than 500 convicted burglars demonstrates that home break-ins are not random. In fact, 62 percent of the respondents report conducting surveillance on a home they targeted before committing to burglarize it. While casing the property, 51 percent admit to checking the schedules of homeowners and neighbors, 46 percent to searching for alarm systems, and 44 percent to seeking out security cameras.
“Don’t let the thought of returning to a ransacked home or missing valuables cast a shadow over what should be a fantastic trip,” says Scott Bonvissuto, president and co-founder of Console Vault. “The good news is that a few proactive steps can lower your risk of burglary and give you peace of mind while you’re gone. Before you pull out of the driveway, be sure to protect your home and the valuables inside with a few simple strategies.”
Thwart potential thieves by recruiting trusted neighbors
A full mailbox and a stack of newspapers sends a glaring signal that residents are not at home, which could make the house a tempting target. One of the best ways to ensure home security during a vacation is by asking for the help of neighbors and friends.
Beyond collecting packages and mail, trustworthy friends or neighbors can take on various tasks that make it look like someone is still at home. For example, homeowners can ask them to park cars in the driveway, move trash cans to and from the curb on collection days, mow the lawn, or shovel snow.
“Don’t forget to provide neighbors with a way to contact you if they encounter suspicious activity or an emergency,” suggests Bonvissuto. “They are your eyes and ears on the ground who can alert you to potential issues and enable you to take appropriate action.”
Deter burglars with timers and smart lighting systems
The appearance of an occupied home makes burglars think twice. Timers on lights and smart lighting systems attempt to give this impression by mimicking natural activity inside the home.
Today’s smart systems offer several advantages over traditional timers. While away, homeowners can adjust their smart systems remotely using a smartphone app, allowing them to create more realistic and unpredictable patterns. Best of all, vacationers can integrate many smart systems with other home devices, such as televisions, radios, and smart speakers.
In the crime prevention survey referenced earlier, 72 percent of convicted burglars report that basic light timers would not prevent them from breaking into a home. However, they say that the activity of a radio or TV is far more effective than lights alone.
Reduce home break-ins with surveillance cameras
An increasing number of people use security cameras for home protection, and for good reason. In the survey of 500 convicted burglars, 37 percent said they would avoid entering a home equipped with cameras.
Due to insufficient evidence, only 13.6 percent of burglars are apprehended in the US. In the unfortunate event of a break-in, security camera footage is valuable evidence that can aid in identifying the perpetrators and recovering stolen items.
“Just the presence of visible security cameras can dissuade burglars from entering your property,” says Bonvissuto. “With internet-connected cameras, you can access live footage of your home from anywhere in the world, monitor activity, and respond appropriately.”
When selecting security cameras, homeowners will want to do their research. For best results, they should choose cameras that can capture clear footage in low-light conditions. Most prefer systems that offer secure cloud storage for recorded footage. This feature enables them to access and review it remotely.
Make break-ins more difficult by keeping vacations off social media
“It’s tempting to share exciting details about upcoming vacations on social media,” notes Bonvissuto, “but in this case, always err on the side of discretion. Broadcasting your absence on social media is like leaving a neon welcome sign for potential burglars.”
According to the crime prevention survey, at least 10 percent of burglars discover the ideal time to commit a burglary by scrolling social media posts. For this reason, it is highly advisable to share vacation pictures and stories only after returning home.
“Think long and hard before providing information on when and where you are traveling or giving live updates during your trip,” Bonvissuto cautions. “If you absolutely must post something online, check your privacy settings and thoroughly evaluate your audience beforehand. Limit access to a close group of friends and family, and refrain from sharing your location or tagging your home address.”
“Don’t allow the thought of leaving your home unattended to cause you unwanted stress during your vacation,” Bonvissuto concludes. “With the right precautions and strategies in place, you can mitigate your risks and enjoy your getaway with peace of mind.”
