Holiday Home Burglary: Reduce Your Risk
Ten simple and inexpensive suggestions to help reduce your homes chance of becoming a target for burglary by one of the original security system installation companies in the United States.
ATLANTA, GA and TIFFIN, OH (PRWEB) December 15, 2004 -- Local alarm company warns community of the general increase in home burglaries and theft during the holiday season and offers some simple, inexpensive suggestions to reduce your chances of becoming a target. With the peak holiday season now upon us and many homes containing new computers and electronic items, our goal is to raise the awareness of some basic home security measures and hopefully help everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday season." said Timothy Beisner, vice president of operations and marketing, Electro Alarms Company, Inc.
The following tips can help minimize your homes chance of becoming a target not only during the holiday season, but also immediately after when many homes are left unoccupied due to vacations, trips and holiday gatherings.
-- Break down new product boxes and use trash bags to dispose of those boxes that could easily indicate what type of gift your home has either given or received - This will reduce the risk of a criminal finding out what new electronic items" might be inside your home from simply driving by your home during the holiday trash disposal.
-- Keep all gifts and packages out of view from your homes doors and windows - The goal here is to minimize a direct view that an unauthorized" visitor may have when either at your door or passing by your windows. This usually can be achieved by simply using curtains and blinds, especially during the evening hours. Car keys, checkbooks, cash, jewelry and any other valuable objects should also always be kept out of view.
-- Use any type of automatic switch to turn lights on when not home - Both the classic timer and newer daylight-sensing switches are great for automatically lighting your home when away on vacation or just away for the evening. Newer vacation timers will even vary the time that the lights are turned on each day, which helps reduce the perception of your home being vacant.
-- Outdoor motion-detecting lights should be used to illuminate the exterior of your homes entrances and perimeter area during the shorter days of the winter season - This not only helps illuminate your entrance when arriving home from work or an evening party, but also is used to help secure your property at night.
-- Shred all documents that contain personal information - The rapid increase in the rate of identity theft is very alarming, do not make it any easier for criminals to gather your personal information through your trash disposal. At minimum, a cross-cut shredder should be used on all documents containing personal information before disposing.
-- Keep all doors and windows shut and locked when not supervised - This may sound like common sense, but most criminals will look for the easiest way in, so dont make it easy for them.
-- Plan for your package deliveries to arrive when someone is at home to receive the package or address your packages to be delivered to your place of work - With the increase of online shopping especially during the holiday season, minimize any packages setting outside your homes doorway that could draw attention to your home and tempt criminals.
-- Place smoke detectors, heat sensors, and carbon monoxide detectors in rooms with holiday decorations and lighting - The increased use of candles, fireplaces and decorative items during the holiday and winter season can significantly increase the risk of a home fire and do not forget to replace all of your homes detectors with fresh batteries.
-- While away from the home for an extended period; remember to remove outdoor hidden keys, have the mail and newspaper deliveries held, put your lights on a timer and of course make sure all doors and windows are locked - You can also benefit from having friends and neighbors help make your home looked lived in" by placing trash out, parking occasionally in your driveway, removing flyers from your mailbox and keeping driveways clear from any debris.
-- Always be aware of your surroundings and contact authorities if any unknown strangers enter your neighborhood, act suspicious, or behave in an abnormal pattern - Keep in mind that charitable organizations are fairly active during the holidays; however, authorized members will be able to show proper identification. Also be aware of your immediate surroundings when entering the home by keeping an eye" on areas around your shrubs, trees, fences, parked cars, and any place that a criminal could hide while you unlock or open doors.
About Electro Alarms Company, Inc. (www.ElectroAlarms.com)
Electro Alarms was established in 1931 as not only a fire alarm and security system sales, installation and service provider, but also is a manufacturer of those installed systems. The company has since strategically focused on the installation and service aspects of the business and has remained family-owned and independently branded--placing a greater emphasis on customer care and quality for continued success.
Many of Electro Alarms Company Inc.s customers have been with the company for over 50 years allowing the company to thrive in todays competitive marketplace. The ability to form long-term relationships and provide the superior service levels needed to maintain these valuable client relations is at the foundation of Electro Alarms Company, Inc.s success. In fact, even a few of the companys originally manufactured systems are still in operation and provide the required protection needed by those customers today.
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