Vacation Home Security

15PaulDavid121When you head home from your vacation condo and close it up until next time, how do you keep it secure? With modern innovations, protecting your vacation home remotely is easier than ever.

The most powerful means to lock down your vacation home is to have a monitored security system installed. Security cameras often prevent theft before it happens. Many potential burglars will avoid your home when they see cameras mounted on the exterior. But if they do try to get in, today’s security systems utilize motion detectors that activate security cameras, record the activity and inform you almost instantly on your mobile phone, tablet or desktop.

Security systems are also a wise choice for second-home owners who rent their property to travelers on popular online rental companies like Airbnb to keep tabs on. It makes it simple to know how renters leave the property.

Strangely enough, the majority of household burglaries are not forced entries; rather, burglars gain access much more simply via unlocked entry points. Don’t forget to lock up before you leave.

Also, if your second home appears vacant, it is more likely to be broken into. Make sure it looks occupied with the use of a timer on one or more of your lights. Modern timers are not unwieldy dials like in the past; they are computerized and simple to set. They’re also quite inexpensive. Time the lights to turn on at different times to lend your vacant home a lived-in look.

Many law enforcement departments offer vacation watch services that can help control the chance of any problems. Patrol cars will drive past to make sure everything is okay. Don’t forget to suspend your newspaper subscription, postal service, dry-cleaning deliveries, etc., and inform your neighbors that you will be gone for an extended period.