While you might think winter would deter criminals, some illegal activities actually increase during this season. For example, car thefts increase by about 25% during the winter months. Thieves have more time to lurk around at night due to shorter days. In the winter, many people leave their cars in the driveway to warm them up. This is usual (but risky!) practice.
Winter is the time when homeowners need to take extra precautions to keep their homes secure as well. Statistics also show that home burglaries increase by an average of 35% during winter months.
Read on to learn about some security precautions you should practice during the cold months.
1. Keeping the Exterior Appearance of Your Home In Good Condition
In the winter, it’s important to maintain the exterior of your home, especially if you plan on taking a trip. The ability to identify unoccupied homes is a key skill for burglars. Here are some signs that a home is unoccupied:
- Snow-covered driveways and walks.
- Packages, mail, and newspapers piled up.
- No lights or activity.
- When you plan to leave your home for an extended period of time during the winter, make it appear occupied. Make preparations for someone to clean your driveway and get the mail collected.
Take home security a step further and invest in a monitored custom home security alarm service. Therefore, in the event of a violation, the monitoring center operator can immediately notify you and the authorities.
2. Lighting Is an Essential Element
Lights indoors and outdoors can provide a great deal of security, yet homeowners sometimes overlook them. As well as your holiday lights, consider the following:
- Smart lighting: With smart lights, you can make it seem like you’re at home even when you’re not. Through a smartphone app, the homeowner can control the lights indoors and outdoors.
- Floodlights: If you are going to use this type of lighting, place it in areas that are likely to be darker or expensive. They are well-suited to illuminating large areas, such as your front and backyard or large driveway.
- Motion-activated lights: This type of light is triggered by movement. You will not only be alerted to movement on your property, but it will also deter intruders.
3. Secure Doors
- Even though it may seem obvious, lock all doors and windows before going to sleep or leaving the house. The front door is the preferred entry point for burglars, according to research.
- For homeowners who forget to lock their doors often, smart locks are a good choice. They allow the user to lock and unlock their home using a smartphone from anywhere, eliminating a key.
- Each door has an activity log that updates the moment it is opened, as well as a unique access code for each user. It is even possible to customize your personal security system to send you mobile alerts if someone tampers with your door.
Do you want to learn more about how to keep your home safer this winter and in the future? Contact our Johns Brothers Security experts today! Serving Richmond, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, and the Outer Banks, Johns Brothers Security designs and installs custom home security systems unique to your needs. Call now for a free home security analysis: 1-800-242-9760.