Leaving home for vacation is fun, but it can also be a bit scary. After all, all of your belongings are in there. Home is where you live and probably where you feel most secure. What if something were to happen when you were gone? The truth is, burglaries peak during vacation months but there is a lot you can do to give you peace of mind until you return. First Lock & Security Technologies offers helpful tips to prevent home burglaries below.

Exterior Fortifications – the Biggest Deterrents to Burglary

Keeping burglars out starts on the exterior of your home. Below are some helpful tips.
Lock Exterior Doors & Windows – First and foremost, make sure that all exterior doors are locked and windows are latched. It is definitely worth walking the perimeter of your home and checking all possible access points. If every entry is locked, consider just how effective those locks are. If one or more of your exterior locks is old, work or has a habit of catching or sticking, you may want to have them checked by a locksmith who may recommend repair or upgrading to high security locks.
Consider Upgrading to Smart Locks – WiFi connected locks enable you to check when the lock is opened while away. Using these locks will better protect your home while on vacation and once you return. If you already have a keypad lock, be sure to wipe the keypad down as a burglar can look at the fingerprints on the pad to figure out your passcode
Remove Hidden Spare Keys – If you are a homeowner that has a spare key hidden somewhere in your yard, remove it now. If no-one is home, the burglar can take their time looking for spare keys around your porch and front yard. If a burglar finds a spare key; it’s easy access inside your home and they may even plan to come back again.
Trim Landscaping & Install Motion Lights – After making sure everything is locked and secured, look at the plants around your home. If a burglar could climb a tree or hide in a bush to get to a window unseen; trim the tree or bush. It is also smart to lock away ladders a burglar could use and even clear away large rocks that could be used to break windows. Motion activated exterior lighting is another great idea to expose burglars lurking in the shadows and deter them from hanging around.

Interior Fortifications – Protect Valuables at Home

Now that you have the outside of your house protected, it’s time to look at the inside. You need to think about the interior to fully protect your home while on vacation.
Lock Down Smaller Valuables – You need to make sure everything that a burglar would want to grab is in a safe location. Think about every valuable item that can be stolen and put all of them somewhere safe. It is a smart idea to invest in a safe to store and protect jewelry, cash, medication and important documents for example.
Hide Larger Valuables – Ensure larger valuables such as expensive artwork and electronics are out of sight and not visible through windows or window coverings such as curtains and blinds.
Make Your Home Look Lived In – There are a few telltale signs that nobody’s currently occupying a house, and burglars know how to look out for all of them. It is a good idea to have a house sitter, neighbor, or trusted friend visit or even stay in your home while you are away. They can pick up your mail, bring any deliveries inside, take your trash cans down to the street on trash day and park in your driveway. If you are planning to be away for a week or more, consider having your grass mowed as well.

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With your exterior secure, burglars will not be able to find an easy or accessible way into your home. Burglars generally follow the path of least resistance when choosing a target to break into, and your house will be far from that. Call First Lock & Security Technologies for lock, key and safe services to help you protect your home while away on vacation and when living in the home.