HOMEWARD BOUND

1. Social Media – Be Quiet!

Most of us have hundreds or thousands of followers on social media. You cannot trust all of them. If you’replanning a trip, or are far away from home, don’t broad cast it to the world! Posting pics of yourself from Europe is a golden invitation to break into your home. Save your updates until you get back.

2. Secure Your Windows

Windows and doors are the easiest locations to break into a home, whether you’re home or not. In addition to window locks, you can increase security by laying bars in the tracks. For even more security and a bigger investment, you can buy decorative iron bars to prevent entrance even if the window is broken.

3. Conceal Your Whereabouts

If you are away on a long trip, don’t make it obvious. Overflowing trash and recycling, overgrown yards, mailbox filling up, newspapers decorating your driveway – these indicate no one is home.

Have a friend pick up your mail, or have the post office hold delivery. Pause your newspaper. Take care of your yard and trash before you leave. Or, ask a friend or pay for a service to care for your yard while you’re gone.

4. Install DIY Security Cameras

This doesn’t have to cost as much as you might think. 40% of burglars will avoid a home if they see cameras, so the value here is in the deterrence, more than catching someone in the act. The most important places to secure are your doors, windows, garage, and basement.

Plus, many services today include subscription options where the camera will notify you right on your phone if the camera catches anything on screen. So you will know some thing’s happening, right when it happens.

5. Install a Yard Sign Warning about Cameras

You can do this even if you don’t have any cameras, and it will be enough to deter some thieves. A thief with a bit more motivation might quickly determine the sign to be a ruse, but any deterrence is good deterrence. If you do have cameras, don’t include the brand of cameras on the sign.

6. Secure Important Files and Documents

How you do this is up to you. Get a safe. Create a hidden compartment. Rent a safe deposit box. Get creative. But find a way to hide your social security cards and important files so if someone does break in, they can’t steal your identity as easily.

7. Use Light Timers

This classic trick still works great. You can set your lights – interior and exterior – to go on and off at certain times each day. Unless a thief is scouting your home and observes the pattern, which is extremely unlikely, this will give the impression someone is home.

8. Use Alarms

Burglar alarms are also effective, even when you’re home. 90% of convicted burglars would avoid targeting a home if they know an alarm is installed.

9. Have Home Defense Within Reach

You need certain items within reach in your bedroom in case you’re home and there is a break-in. For starters, your phone and car keys. With your phone you can call for help, and with your car key fob, you can make noise using your car.

Beyond that and beyond the obvious firearms that you may or may not be comfortable owning, you can use non-lethal defense methods like pepper spray, batons, and other tools. Whatever you use – the key is to have it accessible.