How to Keep Your House and Possessions Secure

Now that the holidays are winding down, keep in mind that homes are at a greater risk for break ins and theft. Even if you live in a “safe” neighborhood, you could potentially become a target if you do not follow safe practices to securing your home and your belongings.

The first and foremost thing you should do is make sure you have a home security system and that you regularly activate it while you aren’t home and in the evenings. Beyond that, there are several additional steps you can take to keep your home safe from invasion:

• Install infrared motion detectors at points of entry, accessible second story windows, and even the master bedroom closet
• Monitor household traffic by giving separate alarm codes to family members and others that may enter your house, such as a house or pet sitter or a house-keeper
• Alert your neighbor, a relative, or a trusted friend when you plan to leave town and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you are gone
• Light your property sufficiently, even the parts that don’t receive a lot of foot traffic

Even with added security regarding entry into your home, there are still several other actions you can take to protect your valuables inside the home in case your security measures are overcome.

• Install a safe in your home that bolts to the wall so that it cannot be removed and place it in another room other than the master bedroom – this is the place thieves look first for valuables
• Conduct background checks on any staff or workers you hire that will be entering your home, such as gardeners, house-keepers, and sitters.
• Keep copies of appraisals and pictures of valuable items in a secure location away from the home, such as a safety deposit box

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, over $1.7 billion worth of jewelry and precious metals are stolen annually with only about 5% of those items recovered. No one ever expects to be a victim of a burglary, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Take some time in the new year to look at your home security and what you can do to keep your home and your belongings safe.