When you depart from your vacation property and close it up until next holiday, how do you keep it secure? With today’s updated technology, monitoring your vacation house from a distance is simpler than ever.
The most powerful means to protect your vacation home is to have a monitored security system installed. Security cameras often prevent burglary before it occurs. Many prospective burglars will skip right over your home when they see cameras installed on the exterior. But if anyone does try to break in, modern security systems employ motion detectors that trip security cameras, record the activity and notify you in real time on your smartphone, tablet or laptop.
Security systems are also a wise choice for second-home owners who rent out their property to travelers on popular online rental companies such as Airbnb to keep track of. It makes it a piece of cake to know the condition in which renters leave the property.
Oddly enough, the majority of household “break-ins” are not forced entries; rather, burglars gain access without any effort through unlocked entry points. Always remember to check all the locks and bolts on your final sweep before departing.
In addition, if your winter or summer property appears vacant, it is more likely to be hit. Ensure it looks occupied by using a light timer. Today’s timers are not unwieldy dials like in the past; they are computerized and simple to program. They’re also extremely inexpensive. Set lights to come on at different times to lend your winter or summer property a lived-in look.
Many police departments offer vacation watch services that can help control the chance of any problems. Police cars will drive past to make sure everything is in order. Always remember to stop your newspaper subscription, postal service, dry-cleaning deliveries, etc., and inform your neighbors that you will be gone for a while.