Home Security: Creating The Illusion Of Occupancy When You're Away From Home

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Intruder's love an empty home. Most would-be burglars would prefer that you're away, far away, when they decide to make an attempt. When you leave signs, even small ones, that someone is home, these criminals often would rather search elsewhere. So how do you go about doing that?

Giving Them Something to See and Hear

There are actually a lot of things you can do simulate occupancy. If someone is canvasing your area, they will take their time. They might even knock on your door to see if someone answers. They will take note of what they see and hear. So what are they seeing and hearing? Here are a few suggestions.

Enlist the Help of Neighbors That You Trust, or Friends 

Have a neighbor or someone come by, gather mail, and check on the place. If you left a car, have someone come through and periodically move it.

This will hide some of the signs that you're not home. That intruder is looking for signs like gathering mail and flyers. In fact, some will actually leave a flyer just to see how long it takes before it's removed.

Have Someone Keep the Yard Nice 

If possible, keep lawn services going, or pay someone to come around and mow, pick up leaves, or clear snow depending on the season.  If you have a potential burglar that plays the long game, this can convince him or her that you're definitely still around.

Leave Things On in the House 

If the intruder gets close to knock, he or she may hear the television going or music playing and move on. If there are lights on, he or she may assume someone is there.

Some of these options may not work for you, but there's still one thing you can do that can make a big difference.

Invest in Home Automation

Automation can make a large difference if you want to simulate a presence in an empty home. Here's a few things you can do to create the illusion of presence with automation.

Randomize the lights – If different lights are on at different times just about anybody would assume someone was home. Not all automated lighting schemes allow for randomization, but just having lights that go on and off at different times will help.

Randomize any noise makers – Many stereos, televisions, and other media devices have automation features built in. Try setting some of these devices to turn on during the day or night.

Install a Surveillance System

You should always think about more robust security features such as alarms, outside sensors, and cameras. Surveillance systems can provide all of those things in a neat package.

Even if you forego other methods of deterring criminals, a surveillance system can still stand alone. Remember that intruders routinely look for surveillance devices. Just seeing one can turn them away.

You can also use surveillance systems that have automation and remote monitoring features. For example, a fully featured surveillance security system can provide you this chain of events:

  • A motion sensor trips
  • The camera starts recording
  • You receive an alert
  • You can remotely monitor
  • You can alert the authorities

Creating the illusion that someone is home is an excellent way to keep any but the most dedicated and savvy intruders at bay. Having a security surveillance system (from companies like Faith Enterprises LLC) can help you keep your home safe and monitored no matter where you happen to be.

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29 April 2015

wireless security systems - are they for you?

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