Did you know that summer is the most common season for home break-ins? The US Department of Justice estimates that winter typically has 11% less burglaries, followed by spring (9%) and fall (6%). There are a hand full of reasons why that could be the case, including the more inviting summer weather and an uptick in unoccupied homes during summer vacation. Regardless of the reason why July and August are the peak months for home break-ins, we’ve prepared a few tips to help ensure you and your home are up to the task of staying protected.
Invest in a Quick Access Safe
There are so many reasons to invest in a quality quick access safe once you’ve obtained your HQL permit and purchased a pistol. For starters, you won’t need to worry about having your firearm stolen and the ensuing headache of reporting the theft. If you are present during the break-in, a quick access safe will also allow you to retrieve your firearm rapidly as you seek shelter and prepare to defend yourself if necessary.
Don’t Invite Burglars into Your Home
Of course, no one is going to literally invite an intruder into their home. Even still, there are a few characteristics about your home that may serve as the perfect reason for the would-be passerby to make an unplanned intrusion:
- Open garage doors
- Lawn mowers, grills, or bicycles placed in plain sight
- Open/ unlocked windows after dark
- Poorly lit exterior
Intro to Home Defense
Get all the information you need to increase the overall security level of your home in our free, 90-minute virtual course! Keep an eye out for new course dates in our classroom courses section.
Staying Protected from Home Break-Ins During Summer Vacation
Back in 2021, we posted a blog series that outlined the hardware and strategy needed to protect your home in the event of a break-in. With break-ins peaking during the summer, it’s easy to conclude that many of them occur during summer vacation. So, how can you ensure your home is ready to stand up against intruders while you’re away?
- Remove your “secret” keys. Hiding any spare keys throughout your property? Intruders will have plenty of time to search under the doormats and flowerpots while you’re away.
- Install an alarm system along with cloud capable cameras for peace of mind.
- Fresh (not faded and worn) alarm company stickers in each window are also a great deterrent for those considering making your home their next break-in spot.
- Install motion activated exterior lighting.
- Ensure all door and window locks are functioning properly. Consider extra locking mechanisms for sliding doors.
- Make your home look occupied. For maximum effectiveness, keep your home occupied. A house sitter alone can easily deter a would-be intruder, and they can keep up with mundane tasks like lawnmowing to eliminate any suspicions that the homeowner has been away for an extended period.
Develop Your Shooting Skills at Soteria Training Academy’s Outdoor Shooting Range
Soteria Training Academy provides expert firearm, first aid, and home defense training with an emphasis on safety. Whether you’re a beginner in the world of firearms, or already have a wealth of experience, we look forward to helping your shooting skill set. Contact us today by visiting our website, or call us at (410) 216-3176 to learn more.