Common Home Security Mistakes & Blunders

How secure is your home? On average, 2 million home burglaries are reported each year. What’s more, almost a third of these are facilitated by an open window or an unlocked door. So, are there any home security mistakes you’re actively making? Let’s take a look:

• Hiding a key outside/under a doormat – While I hope people know better than to leave their spare key under a doormat, it’s still worth mentioning. Moreover, most burglars will know to look under a rock, in a birdhouse, or any other common place outside. Instead, entrust your key to a well-known neighbor. If you must keep a spare key outside, though, put it in a plastic bag and bury it somewhere you won’t forget about it.

• Posting your location on social media – Whether you’re checking in to a restaurant right down the street or you’re vacationing half a world away, try not to post where you’re going or for how long on social media. This is essentially an announcement to anyone, not just your friends, that you’re not home and your house is otherwise unprotected and vulnerable. Wait until you get back and are settled in your house to recount your adventures.

• Mail and packages – If you’re going on vacation or will be away for a bit, you should arrange for someone, be it a neighbor, a friend, or another trusted individual, to pick up your mail for you. A sure sign for burglars that no one is home and hasn’t been for some time is mail piling up outside. Another mistake people make is throwing out the box to a new flat screen tv or expensive computer right after the holidays. This announces to anyone passing by your house that you have something valuable inside just waiting to be stolen. Instead, leave the box inside or in your garage until you can make a trip to the dumpster, or fold up the box and put it in a large garbage bag to be collected with the rest of your trash on trash day.

Many homeowners are guilty of these home security mistakes. Stay ahead of potential burglars and be conscious in the actions you take concerning home security. You may decide to be proactive and purchase a home security system, in which case you can call Instant Alarm by phone at 978-744-9070 or toll free at 800-499-9070 to see which security system is right for you.