There are several things you can do to protect your home from unwelcome visitors while you are away or on vacation. Here are a few examples:
1. Install a doorbell with a video camera. These cost about $200 and go right where your doorbell goes. They can run off of batteries or they can be connected to your doorbell transformer. These doorbells also connect to your cellphone so you can see who is at the door and even talk to them. If you say you’re busy, they have no idea if you are home or not.
2. Add lights outdoors. Having exterior lighting is a great way to deter unwelcome visitors. LED lights won’t cost you much on your electricity bill, and you can get a timer so the light goes on at dusk and off at dawn.
3. Advertise that you have a security system. Whether you have Guardian, ADT, or any other system, the sign discourages people from entering your home because they know that an alarm will go off when they enter.
4. Install a key box with a code. If someone needs to get into your home while you’re away, don’t leave a key under the mat. These key boxes can be mounted on a brick wall or doorframe. You can set a four-digit code so no one else gets the key, even if they manage to get the key box off the wall.
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Outdoor lighting protects your home without costing you more in utilities.
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5. Use a timer to set off your indoor lights. Put these timers in two or three different rooms so they turn different lights on and off throughout the day and night. That way, people will think someone is still in the house.
6. Leave the yellow card for your postman. Mail or newspapers piling up is a sure sign that your house is empty, so make sure you let them know not to deliver your mail or paper while you are out of town.
7. Tell your neighbors you will be gone. This is the most important thing you can do. Your neighbor will know if your cleaning lady is supposed to drop by on Thursday. Your neighbor can tell if there are people who aren’t supposed to be there hanging around your home.
If you have any questions, give me a call or send me an email. I would be happy to help you!