HOUSTON – Are you going out of town during the holidays?
Or, traveling nearby for a Christmas party?
If you are, is your house secured while you’re away?
Crime Stoppers of Houston’s CEO Rania Mankarious shares expert tips on keeping your empty home safe.
When you’re away -
- Lock everything, including windows on the second or third floors.
- Set light timers to make burglars think you’re home.
- Set up motion sensors to scare off intruders.
- Turn on alarms and make your alarm company call your cell of any suspicious activities, especially if you’re on vacation.
- Install surveillance devices like RING.
- Don’t park cars in the driveway with garage door openers or packages/bags.
And when you’re out of town for an extended amount of time, Manakrious suggests doing the following.
1. INFORM A TRUSTED NEIGHBOR OR POLICE
Home security can be a team effort, too! Tell your neighbors you’re leaving so they can pick up your papers, keep an eye on your house, and report any suspicious activity. Plus, some law enforcement do home inspections periodically while you are traveling.
2. DON’T LET YOUR MAIL PILE UP
Delay your shipment if you can. Ask a friend or neighbor to pick them up. To the burglars, piled-up mail indicates your home is empty.
3. DON’T POST YOU’RE AWAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Posting in real-time while traveling lets people know you are not home. If you’ve prepared your home and made it difficult for burglars to gain entry, that may change the conversation, but post when you’re back home.
4. TURN OFF DECORATIVE HOLIDAY LIGHTS TO PREVENT FIRE
Especially the lights on trees. It’s an easy way for trees to catch fire. Also, keep them well-watered!
Watch Rania Mankarious’ full interview in the video above.
For information on Crime Stoppers of Houston, click here.