When you leave your second home and lock it up for the season, how do you keep it secure? With today’s updated technology, protecting your extra property from afar is simpler than ever before.
The most efficient way to lock down your extra home is with the installation of a monitored security system. The visibility of security cameras will often prevent burglary before it occurs. Many potential thieves will skip right over your property when they see cameras installed on the exterior. But if they do try to break in, today’s security systems employ motion detectors that trip security cameras, record the activity and inform you almost instantly on your mobile phone, tablet or computer.
Security systems are also excellent for second-home owners who rent out their property to vacationers on popular rental websites like Airbnb to keep track of. It makes it easy to check the condition in which they leave the property.
Strangely enough, most home burglaries are not forced entries; rather, criminals gain access without any trouble via unlocked windows and doors. Don’t forget to lock up before you leave.
Additionally, if your summer or winter home appears vacant, it is more likely to be hit. Ensure it appears occupied by using a light timer. Modern timers are not clunky dials like in the past; they are digital and simple to set. They’re also highly affordable. Time the lights to come on at various times to give your vacant home a lived-in look.
Some law enforcement departments offer vacation watch services that can help control the chance of any issues. Police cruisers will drive past to make sure everything is in order. Don’t forget to suspend your newspaper subscription, postal service, dry-cleaning deliveries, etc., and tell your neighbors that you will be gone for a while.