The arrival of the holiday season brings with it colorful lights, beautiful décor, and sadly, an increase in theft and burglary. With many homeowners and apartment renters away from home to visit relatives or away on vacation, burglars have increased opportunities to break in and steal valuables, electronics, jewelry, and other household items. This holiday season, Aegis would like to offer these helpful tips to avoid making your home a target for burglars.

Secure All Entry Points

One of the best deterrents of burglars is simply securing your home or apartment by locking all doors and windows. Too often, homes and apartments are burglarized because of a window left unlocked, or a backdoor or patio entryway not properly secured. Another way to protect your home and valuables is by installing and arming a home alarm system that will notify authorities of a break-in while you're away. Although thieves might not be deterred by a home alarm sign in your yard, the loud alarm is often enough to send burglars or vandals running from your home or apartment.

Make Your Home Look Occupied Even When No One's Home

Another strategy to deter burglars is making the home look occupied throughout the day and evening hours while you're away. This can be accomplished by installing automatic timers for outdoor lights and interior lamps. In addition, motion-sensor exterior lights can also give the appearance of an occupied home and can help illuminate dark or hidden areas where burglars might normally hide.

Enlist Neighbors To Help

Helpful and friendly neighbors can help keep neighborhoods and homes safer for everyone. Consider asking neighbors or friends to check in on your home during vacations or extended traveling days. For lengthier trips away from home, mail and newspaper delivery service can be stopped or collected by a neighbor to prevent a pileup of mail and newspapers that can attract burglars. In addition, ask neighbors to park one of their cars in your driveway to give the appearance of an occupied home as well.

A home burglary can devastate families and ruin a holiday for homeowners and apartments renters, so it's important to take steps to protect our property at all times. Another great way to protect your home, possessions and family members is through reliable and top-quality insurance solutions from Aegis. Aegis is a Houston-based insurance agency offering a full range of insurance policy coverage, including Homeowners, Auto Insurance, Business Insurance needs, Life Insurance and Renters Insurance. Contact the friendly and knowledgeable insurance agents of Aegis for more information, or go online to request a free quote today!