According to the FBI, there are an estimated 2 million burglaries that occur every year in the United States. Don’t allow your home to become part of this statistic. Follow some of these simple tips today so that you can protect your home from being burglarized.

1. Lock all doors and windows when you leave the house. Although it may be tempting on a summer night to leave the windows open when you leave the house, you should always close them if nobody is going to be home. In addition, make sure all windows and doors are not only closed, but locked as well.
2. Routinely make sure your alarm is still in working order. If you contact us, we will help you test your alarm system regularly in order to make sure it is in full working order.
3. Hold your mail when you go away. The United States Postal Service offers customers with the ability to hold their mail at the local post office. Even if you are leaving for just a weekend, it is never a good idea to allow mail to sit in your mailbox overnight. Most mail contains sensitive information that could cause you harm if it were to enter the wrong hands.
4. Internal Lights – Using plug timers with lamps and other internal lights such as hallway and landings can give the impression of somebody being at home. When using a daily timer note the times that it gets dark so you can time the light to come on a little before then. Don’t forget to set an off time too.  Add radios to a timer as well. This will give the impression of people at home listening to radio.
5. External lights – Install motion sensing lights that come on when there is movement near your property. Install near garages, porches, back gardens and front entrances.
6. Don’t tell everyone online.  Try not to advertise the fact that you are away from your home on your social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter. Experienced burglars can search social media using the appropriate keywords, especially if you have made your privacy settings public.  If you cannot refrain from sharing your holiday information then do ensure you follow the other tips to secure your property.
7. Keep your car in front of your house or property even when you are away. This gives the impression of occupancy. If your car is left at the airport, ask a neighbor to park there.
8. Don’t show off. Don’t leave expensive stuff in full view near or at a window. Lower your blinds or draw the curtains a little or move or cover your valuable and attractive items.
9. Hide your valuables such as jewelry and cash in places that burglars would not think to look. It is also recommended to get a safe to keep these items locked away within your home.
10. Call on neighbors and friends – let your neighbors and friends know your plans. Ask them to help by cutting the lawn, watering flowers, feeding animals or airing the house for a few minutes each day. This will discourage any burglar or intruder from previewing the property for a hit.