Holiday Home Security

Home for the Holidays

The holidays are among us. For many, “home for the holidays” means going away to visit family, leaving your home, and your valuables, unattended.

Burglary StatisticsMany people leave town without taking the proper precautions to keeping their home and their

belonging safe while they are gone. But shocking statistics prove home security should be taken seriously.

National Statistics• A burglary takes place every about every 14 seconds• 9% of criminals enter homes through the garage• 12% of burglaries occur via unlocked doors• 22% of thieves enter homes through the back door• 23% of thieves come in through a first floor window• 32% of burglaries happen without force• 34% of robbers come in through the front door• 60% of home burglaries occur during the day• 60% of burglaries involve forced entry• 65% of burglaries involve residential properties• 85% of all burglary attempts are successful• 88% of burglars are never caught

Source: FBI Uniform Crime Report

Don’t be a Statistic

What can you do to provide peace of mind that your home is safe while you are away?

The following home security tips will help you deter burglars while you and your family are away, allowing you to enjoy your holiday vacation.

LightsA home with no lights on signals to others

that no one is home. Don’t be an easy target; throw thieves off by signaling there are people home by making precautions to properly light your home while you are gone.

• Install motion censored lights on the exterior of your home.

• Use electric timers to turn on the radio and interior lights at different times throughout the day and night.

Most burglars will suspect someone is home and skip your home when the lights and radio are on.

PrivacyBurglars often times scope out houses to rob

based on the valuables they see inside. During the holidays, many people have gifts for friends and family, making their homes even more enticing for thieves.

• Keep valuables away from exterior windows.

• Install window coverings on all exterior doors and windows.

• Block garage windows with drapes or paint them solid.

• Keep your garden and lawn tools out of sight and locked up.

LocksSounds like a no-brainer, but many people

step out to take out the trash, walk the dog, or run a quick errand without locking the door. Whether you’re leaving for vacation or staying put, make sure you don’t allow easy access for a robber to enter and exit your home.

• Lock all exterior doors and windows.• Secure sliding glass doors by inserting a

metal rod or stick in the inside track.• If you have a hide-a-key, find a secure

location to keep it. It’s safer to leave a spare key with a neighbor you trust.

Clever Hiding Places

For more information on how you can safeguard your home, get the complete DIY home security package. The Clever Hiding Places book reveals over 250 clever hiding places and accompanying DVD demonstrates 10 of author Tom Skinner’s favorite hiding places.

cleverhidingplaces.com