
Suppose you are going on vacation. The suitcases are packed, the house is cleaned up and the plants taken care of, you are ready for your vacation. But is your home also ready to leave safely behind?
The summer months are the time for many people to go out, but unfortunately it is also a time when burglars seize their opportunity. Residential burglaries are particularly common in July and August, when many homes are unattended for long periods of time.
Fortunately, with a few smart adjustments and precautions, you can leave with peace of mind. In this blog, we share tips for making your home safer - with a special focus on an often overlooked weak spot: the garage door.
Tip 1. Secure your windows and doors with good hardware
Burglars often choose the path of least resistance. Old hardware is easy to break open, especially on back doors or windows at the rear of the home. Therefore, replace locks that are outdated and make sure the new locks have the SKG seal of approval. Locks with core pull protection make it extra difficult for burglars to break in.
Tip 2. Provide lighting and visibility
A well-lit home is a deterrent. Install outdoor lights with motion sensors near doors and dark corners. In addition, use timers for interior lighting so that lights come on automatically at night. This creates the impression that someone is home. You can also control smart lights via an app for even more remote control.
Tip 3. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out
Good neighbors are worth their weight in gold when you are on vacation. Ask if they would regularly take down the mail, move the curtains or park a car in your driveway. This will prevent your home from making an "abandoned" impression, something burglars pay keen attention to.
Tip 4. Secure the garage door, especially if it is connected to your home
Many people forget that the garage door can be an important entrance to the home. Especially if the garage is in direct connection with the rest of the house, it is imperative to secure it properly. Burglars know that garage doors in older homes often have weaker security than front doors.
So check that your garage door has a good lock and add additional locks if necessary. Do you have a electric garage door? Then check your door for an anti-lift security device, so the door cannot be lifted forcibly.
Tip 5. Don't share your vacation photos (too early) on social media
It is tempting to share vacation photos immediately on socials, but by doing so, you inadvertently indicate that you are not home. Rather wait to post until you are back.
Tip 6. Consider installing an alarm system
A professional alarm system or smart security cameras are a valuable addition to the security of your home. Many systems you can link to an app, so you receive notifications of suspicious movements.
Prevention is much better than cure
Prevention is much better than cure. So invest in the security of your home and reduce the risk of burglary.
Another bonus tip: Make a checklist before you leave and go through all doors, windows and entrances one last time. A few minutes of extra attention can make a world of difference.