10/31/2023
Some good advice and recommendations from the Ohio Crime Prevention Association
Move Out Without Enticing Thieves To Move In; Tips for preventing a burglary at your seasonal property
Move Out Without Enticing Thieves To Move In
Tips for preventing a burglary at your seasonal property The cooler temperatures and shorter days signal the start of an annual tradition. As fall moves in, seasonal property owners are getting ready to move out and close down their summer homes. Anyone who has had experiencing closing down a seasonal property knows the “to-do list” is often a mile long. But, while seasonal home owners often remember to turn down thermostats, pack away summer “toys,” and cancel their mail, taking extra steps to prevent a burglary from occurring is all too often overlooked. Homeowners assume that because their house isn’t the most grandiose on the road or that their boat is tucked away from plain sight that they are exempt from a burglary. The reality is, a burglary can happen to anyone, regardless what his or her property looks like. But, there are a few steps seasonal homeowners can take to deter thieves from choosing their property as their next target. Before you and your family ride off into the sunset for the winter months, consider taking time for the following:
• Use Locks and Alarms – Make sure all doors and windows are locked. If locks seem loose or don’t seem to be working properly, replace them. For added security, place door jams behind all of your doors beside one. Make sure spare keys are taken with you, given to a trusted neighbor, or hidden extremely well.
• Install Security Systems and Video Cameras – While some of these systems can be costly, if it is the difference between a break-in from occurring or catching the criminal, it’s worth the up-front costs. Plus, most thieves will choose a different property if they see you have a system in place.
• Secure Valuables – Keep valuables locked in a safe either in your home or in a safe deposit box at a local bank. Better yet, take valuables with you to your permanent home. Move items away from windows and doors to they can’t be seen from the outside.
• Think About Lighting – Install dusk to dawn lights outside of your home and around your property. Make sure lights are high up so someone isn’t tempted to de-activate or break them. Program a number of lamps inside your home on timers. Alternate the times and scatter lamps throughout the house so the “light schedule” doesn’t become predictable. Consider using sunlight activated timers in case there’s a power outage.
Turn Down Your Phone and Close Drapes –– Turn down your phone so no one can hear the phone continuously ringing. Keep your answering machine message general, such as, “we can’t get to the phone now,” rather than “we’re gone for the winter.” Check your messages occasionally so the message inbox doesn’t become full. While it’s common to close all drapes before leaving, consider closing the downstairs drapes and leaving the upstairs drapes open, but remember to keep items out of plain sight.
Hire a Caretaker or Have a Trusted Neighbor Watch Your Property – If you can’t afford to hire your own caretaker to maintain your property, talk with a number of other seasonal property owners to see if they’d help pay for a shared caretaker. At a minimum, have a trusted neighbor keep an eye on your property. Make sure they have your phone number in case there is an issue and that they know if and when you’re having work done on your seasonal. Have the neighbor pick up packages, door tags, and phone books off your front stoop and be sure someone is occasionally plowing in the winter.
Update Your Home Owners Insurance Policy – Make sure everything is up-to-date with your policy before you leave your property for the winter. Talk with your insurance company about your specific policy and how it would protect you if a burglary did take place.
While you may have to invest some time and money into protecting your seasonal and deterring thieves from targeting your home, it is money and time well spent. The best part is, once you’ve made sure your property is secure, you can drive away for the season worry-free.