Don’t Become a Victim: How to Prevent Your Home from Being Burglarized When You’re Out of Town
GCPD Identifies 3 Residential Burglary Suspects
As of May 31, 2024, Gwinnett County Police Department detectives have identified and charged three suspects in a residential burglary. Earlier in the month, the victim reported that while she was out of town, her home had been burglarized. Suspects entered the house and took furniture, a PlayStation 5, shoes and a 2008 Toyota Solara. The Solara has not yet been recovered.
GCPD detectives have charged three people with burglary in the first degree and theft by taking motor vehicle; they are still looking for an additional unidentified female suspect in this case. Although detectives have identified and charges the suspects, they are not in custody and their whereabouts are unknown at this time. Detectives believe the suspects may have committed similar burglaries in other areas.
When you’re away, even for a weekend, a good home security system can mean the difference between coming back to a home sweet home, or to an unfortunate situation like the one this victim experienced. Ensuring your home is secure whether you’re home or away takes comprehensive and proactive planning. Creating the illusion that you’re still at at home and physical security devices work together to keep burglars at bay.
The Illusion of Activity
Some of these security measures seem like common sense, but they are important reminders even so.
Maintain Your Property: Make sure your trash has been taken out and your front door and surroundings clean. Think about parking your car in the driveway on short trips, especially if you have motion activated flood lights on your garage. Make sure your lawn and any plants get their routine care; an overgrown lawn or dead plants are signs no one is home.
Pause Your Mail: Plan ahead and have your mail stopped or ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick it up. Same for newspapers and other printed periodicals. Avoid any mail or leaflets piling up on your doorstep or in your mailbox.
Use Smart Devices or Set Timers: Setting timers on indoor and outdoor lights and a TV makes your home look lived in. In addition to smart lights, you can set timers for connected smart lights and devices on and off remotely at varying times for a better impression that you’re home.
Secure Windows and Doors: Lock entry points to your home and deadbolt exterior doors. Remember to lock basement doors; garage doors and entry to your home from a garage; side doors; patio doors. Secure pet doors with a lock or at least block entry with a heavy item or weights. Lock upper floor windows as well.
Social Media Caution: Although taking photos and posting photos of your getaway in real time is part of the fun, think about sharing your photos after you return. Posting your photos while you’re away also let’s the world know you’re not home.
Notify Security Alarm Company: If you subscribe to alarm company services, let them know your departure and return dates. Some companies will make a point to send added patrol while you are away; some companies also offer vacation security services, so it inquire with your security company.
Collect Spare Keys: If you’ve hidden spare keys, collect it and put them in a secure location. Burglars are savvy to common spare key hiding places.
These are things you should make standard habits when you go away, and can be done without much cost. These next items increase home security though require planning and investment.
Install Security Lighting: Set up motion activation lighting or flood lighting, especially in vulnerable areas like backyards or side areas and patio. Installing smart lights allows you to access your lights remotely and at different times of the day.
Install a Home Security System: Investing in a comprehensive home security system that includes security cameras, lighting and alarms help increase home protection. Most burglars look for soft targets (easy in and out) and will avoid homes with visible home security systems. Systems with remote monitors will let you keep your eye on camera views while you’re away.
Hire a House sitter: A trusted house sitter is as lived-in as you can get. Having someone care for your home, pet and plants and someone you can communicate with while you’re away is great peace-of-mind. If friends aren’t available, research online services can connect you with house sitters in your area.
An obviously unoccupied home is an easy target, so in addition to having a security system in place, make sure your home is as secure against burglary and break-ins as possible. Creating a picture that you are home increases your chances of a happy homecoming.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
There is nothing more important than a good, safe, secure home.
Rosalynn Carter
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