It’s the time of the year for…theft?

According to the FBI, theft occurs in U.S. homes every 15 seconds. During the holiday season, that rate increases by 7%. With the holidays approaching, keep these tips for theft prevention in mind to keep your valuables safe.

Don’t share you travel plans on social media. Last year, 4 out of 5 burglars used social media to find out when people were not home. Don’t advertise your travel plans online, burglars will use it against you.

Close your blinds or curtains at night. Open blinds may invite unwanted eyes, which allows thieves to view the layout of your house and your belongings.

Keep inventory of your valuable items. You should always keep an updated list of all the items in your home. That way in case theft does occur, you will know exactly what was taken, and what needs replaced.

Invest in a security system.  An alarm is the biggest discouragement for a burglar. With new technology, there are so many great gadgets that can help keep your home safe. If you have a smart phone, some systems allow you to connect with your phone for 24/7 surveillance. Here are some other great gadgets:

  • Motion activated webcams
  • Sensor triggered lighting
  • Smart phone home security

Make your home look lived-in. How your house would normally look is how you want it to appear when you’re gone. Put your mail and newspaper delivery on hold. A full mailbox is an easy way to show burglars are away. Get an automatic timer for your lights. Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in your driveway from time to time.

Follow these tips and have a happy and safe holiday season!

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