Vacation home burglaries can be more common during certain times of the year. You can keep your home away from home safe and secure no matter what season it is with these home security tips.
When break-ins commonly occur
While most movies and television shows would have you believe burglaries tend to occur in the middle of the night, the truth is daytime is most common for a break-in, according to SecurAmerica. This is because burglars would much rather enter a house they know is empty. With vacation homes in particular, they can be vacant for days and weeks during the off-season. Depending on where it's located, the time of year that sees the least amount of use will be when criminals will tend to target your home for a break-in. Without a security system, you may not even know the house has been burglarized until long after it happened.
Let them know you're watching
The best way to prevent a break-in is by letting intruders know you're watching them. A home security system isn't only a good way to stop a crime, but it can help deter it in the first place. When criminals target vacation homes in the off-season, it's because they know the chances of being caught are much lower. However, if you have security cameras that are clearly visible, it may ward them off from even approaching your house.
A not-so-empty house
With burglars targeting houses that are empty, making it appear that you're actually home is one of the best home security tips to help deter break-ins. When coupled with a wireless doorbell camera, an automated home security system can deter vacation home burglary by making your empty house appear occupied. If anyone approaches the front door the camera's motion detector can be set up to notify you on a smartphone app. You can then watch the live camera feed via your phone and communicate with anyone nearby through the camera's two-way microphone. A quick "hello" might be all it takes to let an intruder know the house isn't as empty as they think.
An automated home security system also allows you to control lighting even when you're miles away, which can be a great tool in stopping a burglary. An automated systemallows you to set lights on timers, as well as turn them on or off with just a few taps on your smartphone, no matter where you are. Lights turned on inside and outside will give the impression that your home is in use even when no one is there.
Catch them red-handed
When all deterrents fail, the best way to stop a burglary is with an armed security system that includes surveillance cameras to capture footage of an intruder. An automated home security system sounds the alarm and sends thieves running, and it captures high-resolution video that's automatically uploaded to cloud storage. You can also control cameras, toggle the angles and view a live feed using the system's smartphone app. While many break-ins go unsolved, having clear footage can help law enforcement catch an intruder.
Whether you're relaxing by the beach or at home in your own bed, having an automated security system lets you rest a little easier knowing your vacation house is protected and easily monitored.
Speak with a Vivint representative to determine the best course of action for protecting your vacation home.
