When you head home from your vacation property and lock it up for the season, how do you keep it safe? With modern innovations, protecting your second house from afar is more convenient than it’s ever been.
The best way to lock down your second home is to get a monitored security system installed. Security cameras often prevent burglary before it happens. Many prospective thieves will pass on your home when they see cameras installed on the exterior. And if anyone does try to break in, modern security systems utilize motion detectors that trip security cameras, record the activity and notify you instantaneously on your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Security systems are also ideal for second-home owners who lease their property to vacationers on popular rental sites such as Airbnb to keep track of. It makes it a piece of cake to know the condition in which they leave the property.
Surprisingly enough, most home “break-ins” are not forced entries; rather, criminals gain access much more simply via unlocked entry points. Always remember to lock up on your final sweep before departing.
In addition, if your second property looks empty, it is more likely to be hit. Ensure it looks occupied by utilizing a timer on one or more of your lights. Today’s timers are not massive dials like in the past, but are computerized and easy to set. They’re also extremely inexpensive. Program lights to turn on at various times to give your winter or summer property a lived-in look.
Many police departments offer vacation watch services that can help minimize the risk of any threats. Patrol cruisers will do a drive-by to make sure everything is okay. Always remember to stop your newspaper subscription, mail service, dry-cleaning deliveries, etc., and let your neighbors know that you will be gone for a while.