Home Business Tips

Securing Your Home and Business

Securing your home can be a concern, especially around the holidays. Police report that break-ins of homes increase dramatically around the holidays. One reason for this is increase in valuable items stored in the home. These items range from Christmas present to Christmas décor that is only brought out during the holidays.

Crime against property occurs on the average of 20 times a minute with an estimated $1,000 loss for each occurrence. Burglary is a crime of opportunity, entry is gained because of the carelessness of homeowners. The most likely items stolen in a burglary are cash, small electronic equipment, home computers, cameras, jewelry, furs, tools and hand guns.

We have compiled a list to help you stay secure:

• Let your neighbors know when you are not going to be home so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.
• Position outdoor lighting near any entrances to your home, it is estimated that your chances of burglary is cut by 50% when you entrances are properly lit.
• Make sure all windows and doors are properly secured when leaving your home.
• Trim back bushes, shrubs and trees that are near you home. This will help any passers-by spot someone trying to break into you home.
• Never leave an answering machine message stating that you will be away from your home.
• Never set your email to automatically respond saying that you will be away from home.
• Digital theft is also a consideration, make sure you computer is password protected.

Being safe and smart makes it easy to secure your home, especially over the holiday season. Few people bother with security until something happens to them or a neighbor’s home. The public’s complacent attitude is the burglar’s best friend and your worst enemy. Keep you home safe and secure.

General 2005-12-16 Home Business Tips