Your Eye On Security

As the summer continues on many homeowners will be going on vacation, but before they leave, home security should be at the top of the list.

“Bad guys look for any opportunity to prey on the innocent.  Unless precautions are taken, an unoccupied home can present a tempting target,” Crime Prevention Officer David Behm tells the Berksmont News.

The best advice for those going out of town Behm says is “consider a house-sitter to look after your home while you are absent, file a vacation report, and consider getting multiple timers that will activate lights throughout the home.”

Other tips include -

• Leave the lights on

Behm adds, “Bad guys hate light.  It’s just that simple.  Criminals do not like to be seen.”

Lights with timers or even a low wattage light bulb on a porch can stop a criminal.

• Have good locks

Behm says you should buy an extra dead bolt for every exterior door.

• Look as if you are at home.

“A lot of bad guys look for piled up mail and newspaper deliveries.  Homes without activity for an extended period of time as well as dark areas around the home where someone could gain access to the home are something that burglars look for,” Behm said.

• Keep your information private.

According to Behm, the crime prevention unit recommends that you do not advertise your absences on social media networks such as Facebook.’