HR-080215-Ara2Most break-ins are committed by thieves looking for a “quick win” — a house or apartment they’ll be able to rob with as little trouble as possible. What better time to strike than when residents are on vacation? It makes sense that 74 percent of burglaries in the U.S. are residential, and most break-ins happen during June, July and August.

Here are simple ways to protect your house or apartment from unwanted intruders while you’re enjoying your time off this summer.

Locks

The FBI recently calculated that more than 34 percent of burglaries were committed without using force. That means criminals came in through an unlocked door or window and grabbed whatever they wanted. A good deadbolt is a great first line of defense, but it won’t do you any good if you don’t use it. Here are a few tips to make sure you’ve got your bases covered:

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• Establish a routine to check locks on windows and doors each night before bed.
• Test each lock to make sure it’s working properly.
• Always use your deadbolt.
• Install a door latch shield around locks to deter crowbars.

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A security system not only is a strong deterrent to thieves, but if you’re unfortunate enough to experience a burglary, it can provide excellent evidence after the fact.

You don’t need cameras in every room to stay safe — just make sure you’re covering the main entrances, exits and other high-traffic areas (e.g. the kitchen), and strategically position your cameras.

Community support

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If you know you’re going to be out of town for a while, the people in your community can help keep your home safe. For example, you can ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail every day and stop by your house to make sure everything is fine, or if you have a neighborhood watch, let them know the dates of your trip and when to expect you back.

Lights

Proper lighting can be a great way to make it look like someone’s home. You can install timers for your interior lights, but it’s just as easy to use smart bulbs and schedule, brighten and dim them from your smartphone. Motion-sensitive outdoor lights also can be an excellent deterrent.

Don’t let security issues or break-ins ruin your summer fun. Follow these easy tips, and feel secure enough to enjoy your time away.

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This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.