Thieves are becoming more brazen and aggressive as they look for items to steal and homes to rob. As a result, homeowners must be more vigilant about protecting their property, whether they're home or not. A good first step in protecting yourself, your loved ones, and your personal property is to not make your home an obvious target for criminals. In today's blog post, we look at four ways to keep thieves from targeting your home or rental property.
Camera Systems
Cameras are a great deterrent for criminals looking to steal an item or break into a home. One of the most popular home security devices on the market right now is a smart doorbell system. These systems work as a standard doorbell, but also as a video camera to record anyone who approaches the front door or porch area of the property. These high-tech doorbells can also instantly notify the homeowner and let them communicate directly with the person outside without having to open their front door. In additional, traditional camera systems also work great to protect the perimeter of the home and help law enforcement identify thieves or trespassers on your property.
Avoid Doorstep Deliveries
Online shopping has transformed the purchasing experience for American consumers. What used to involve driving to one or even multiple stores for purchases is now as simple as a click on a computer or smartphone, and packages can be delivered to your home in as fast as an hour. However, online shopping has also made it easier than ever for thieves to steal from homeowners, as they'll often drive by neighborhoods looking for packages left on doorsteps to quickly steal. Instead of having deliveries left on your front door, consider having them delivered to your workplace or a secured delivery spot where thieves cannot steal them.
Light It Up
One of the biggest ways to help deter criminals from trespassing or stealing your property at night is to light up your home and surrounding landscaping. When there is ample light along the landscape and near all entry points at night, it becomes harder for thieves to hide or access your property without being seen. Also, motion detector lights can also warn homeowners that there is someone on the property, giving them time to notify authorities.
Always Store Personal Property
Never leave bicycles, children's toys, tools, construction materials, lawn equipment, or garden accessories outside. Thieves will always take advantage of a homeowner that leaves personal property outside, especially items that are easy to pawn or resell, such as lawn equipment or bicycles. Also, always lock personal vehicles that are parked in the driveway and never leave valuables inside a vehicle. Homeowners, especially those in more affluent communities, may naively assume that their neighborhood is safer from crime than other parts of town, and they fail to take precautions to safeguard from property theft.
If you don't want to become another neighborhood crime statistic, make sure you protect your loved ones, home, and personal property with these simple proactive steps. You'll be protecting what matters most, and ensuring that you have peace of mind. Another way to protect your loved ones and personal property is to make sure you have reliable, quality Personal Insurance from Aegis Insurance & Financial Services. The friendly team at Aegis can help you compile an asset inventory and assess insurance needs, and then create a specialized insurance package tailored to your unique needs. Contact Aegis today at 713-850-7622 for more information, or complete our online form for a free quote!