How to Make Your Home Look Occupied and Keep Burglars Away
When you’re away from home, it’s important to take steps to protect your property.
One way to keep burglars at bay is to make it look like someone is home. Using timers and lights, you can create the impression that your house is occupied, even when you’re not there.
Using Smart Home Devices
Nowadays, technology makes it easier to make your home look occupied. With smart home devices, you can control your lights and timers remotely. This means you can change the schedule as needed, even if you’re far away.
Smart Use of Light
Another good ruse is to use lights in a smart way. Instead of leaving one light on all day or night, use multiple lights in different parts of your home. This can create the illusion of activity and movement happening in your home, which can deter potential burglars.
Using Timers to Mimic Activity
Timers can help you simulate regular activities in your home. Another good trick is to set timers for your lights, radios, and TVs, to turn on and off at different times throughout the day. This helps to present the day-to-day patterns of your typical routine, making it look like someone is there.
Changing Up Patterns
When using timers and lights to make it look like your home is occupied, it’s important to change up the patterns and times. Different lights should turn on and off at different times every day, confusing someone who may be watching your home. By mixing up the schedule, it will make it harder for anyone to figure out if the home is really occupied or not.
Open & Shut Those Blinds
You usually don’t leave your window coverings in one position while you are home, and doing so can be a green light for burglars. An investment in remote control shades and blinds provides a way to emulate your regular schedule of opening and shutting the blinds.
Installing Motion Sensors
To make your home even more secure, think about installing motion sensors for your outdoor lights. These sensors will turn on the lights automatically when someone approaches your property. This adds another level of security, making it look like someone is home and aware of what’s happening.
Outdoor Cameras
Having outdoor cameras that show you if any activity is going on can provide you with a sense of security. Many doorbells come equipped with cameras that record what is going on outside. You can opt for a subscription-based device or one that is connected to your Wi-Fi and can provide free video or stills, which are viewable for only a select amount of time. If any irregular activity is noted, you can contact your neighbor or the police.
Alert Your Neighbors
It is a smart move to let your neighbors know when you are going to be out of town and ask them to keep an eye on your house. They can pick up any packages that may be delivered, collect your mail for you, and roll out the trash bins on collection day. If you have a neighbor you can really trust, leave a house key with them and ask them to check your interior periodically.
Lawn Care
If you are going to be gone for a longer period of time, arrange for your grass to be mowed as letting it grow could be a sign to someone scouting your home that you are not there. In the winter, if it snows, ask your neighbor to drive their car in and out of the driveway and even walk up to your door. Or line up snow shoveling in advance if the need arises.
Having Peace of Mind
By using these tips, you can make your home look occupied and keep it safe while you’re away. Timers, smart lighting, motion sensors, and smart home devices all play a big role in deterring burglars and protecting your property.
