4. Don’t be a target
In addition to keeping your community safe, you can learn what things can make your own home a target of theft so you can reduce your chances of a break-in. Using strong locks on your doors and windows is your first line of defense. Some would-be thieves will walk through neighborhoods checking doors to see if they’re locked or not.
Keeping blinds closed and curtains drawn keeps potential thieves from seeing where you keep your valuables, which rooms are regularly unoccupied, and how often you’re away from home. Keeping valuables and potentially dangerous items locked up where they can’t be seen can help prevent your home from being targeted.
We also recommend that you don’t post on social media about leaving on vacation. While it’s tempting to post that classic picture out the airplane window detailing your vacation plans, it’s best to wait to brag about your adventures on social media. Potential thieves will watch social media in order to see when people are out of town and their houses are vulnerable to break-ins.
To be ultra prepared, get a reliable home security system that’ll alert you or the authorities if something goes wrong at home while you’re away. You can also install timed lights to make it look like someone’s home when you’re away, and motion sensors that will alert you of movement around your house.