When you head home from your vacation cottage and lock it up for the season, how do you keep it safe? With modern technology, monitoring your extra house remotely is more convenient than it’s ever been.
The best way to protect your extra home is with the installation of a monitored security system. The presence of security cameras can often prevent burglary before it happens. Many would-be thieves will skip right over your property when they notice surveillance cameras installed outside. But if someone does attempt to break in, modern security systems use motion detectors that trigger security cameras, record everything that happens and inform you instantaneously on your mobile phone, tablet or desktop.
Security systems are also a good idea for second-home owners who lease their property to travelers on popular rental sites such as Airbnb to keep track of. It makes it a piece of cake to see how renters leave the property.
Oddly enough, most household “break-ins” are not forced entries; rather, criminals enter without any effort via unlocked doors and windows. Don’t forget to check all the locks and bolts before you go.
Additionally, if your extra property looks empty, it is more likely to be burglarized. Make sure it looks occupied by setting up a timer on one or more of your lights. Modern timers are not massive dials like in the past, but are computerized and simple to set. They’re also quite inexpensive. Set lights to turn on at different times to lend your extra property a lived-in appearance.
Some police departments offer vacation watch services that can help lower the chance of any threats. Police cars will drive past to make sure everything is okay. Don’t forget to stop your newspaper subscription, mail service, dry-cleaning deliveries, etc., and inform your neighbors that you will be for an extended period.