Any home-security expert will tell you that would-be burglars know how to spot the signs that someone is out of town. Stay one step ahead of the bad guys by acting on these tips before you leave.
Install motion-sensor lights
It’s no secret that the last thing a burglar wants to do is attract attention. So there’s a good chance that something unexpected—be it an alarm, a barking dog, or even a sudden flood of light—will be enough to send a crook away empty-handed. And even when you’re not home, there are ways you can catch would-be burglars off guard. “While no technology will completely deter all would-be criminals, lighting is an easy way to make a big difference in keeping a home safe and secure,” says Brad Paine, vice president and general manager of Connected Homes at Eaton’s Lighting Division. Install a motion-activated light that can detect movement around the perimeter of your house, and make sure it’s activated the whole time you’re away.Add “vacation mode” lighting
To a potential burglar, a dark house means an empty house. If you want to make it look like you’re home, your lights should be on at the approximate times they’d be on if you were there. With a “smart lighting” system, you can time your lights to turn on and off when you want them to. Some vacation lighting systems even have dimming options and other nuanced settings that really reinforce the illusion that someone is home. “Have the lights turn on in the morning, dim the indoor lights in the evening, and have them turn off at night when you would normally be asleep,” Paine suggests. “Or even randomize the on/off timing to keep would-be intruders guessing.”Try remote-controlled lighting
Today, it couldn’t be easier to monitor your home from afar—all you need is your smartphone to access most smart-lighting systems. “Many smart lights and connected lighting systems now allow for remote-access capabilities, where you can turn lights on and off using a smartphone—whether you’re at the office or enjoying a day at the beach,” Paine says. Make sure that your remote-controlled lighting doesn’t backfire, though. The goal, as Paine emphasizes, is to “mimic human activity,” not to have as many lights on as possible. For instance, if all of your lights turn on or off at the same time, burglars might sense that something is amiss. The same goes for having your outdoor lights on during the day.Take TV time
If you’ll only be gone for the day, consider leaving your television on
for the duration of your trip. Most burglars will be reluctant to break
into a house if they hear noise coming from it or see the glow of a
television screen. If you’re going on a longer trip and are
understandably reluctant to leave the TV on for that long, a FakeTV device
mimics the flickering light of a TV. You can program these devices to
kick in at sundown or remain on during the day. Even the sound of a
radio or music playing can provide the illusion that someone is home.
