For many of us in Virginia, winter brings the joys of snow, holiday celebrations, and a break from work and school. However, it’s essential to be aware that burglars see winter as an opportunity to target vulnerable homes.
Fortunately, with the right information, planning, and Richmond smart home security from Praos, you can safeguard your Virginia home from potential break-ins during the winter season.
Understanding Winter Burglaries
While household burglaries are more common in the summer, it’s crucial to remember that over 1.4 million homes are broken into annually in the United States. Therefore, taking precautions year-round is essential.
During winter, certain factors can make homes more appealing to burglars:
- Holiday Travel: Many homeowners travel during the winter, leaving their homes vacant and susceptible to break-ins.
- Reduced Daylight Hours: With shorter days, burglars have more extended periods of darkness to operate unnoticed.
- Unattended Cars: Cold weather often leads to cars running unattended, providing easy opportunities for theft.
- Increased Deliveries: The winter months witness a surge in package deliveries, potentially attracting porch pirates.
Regardless of the season, most burglaries are crimes of opportunity. To protect your home, follow these winter-specific security tips:
Home Security Tips
1. Create the Illusion of Occupancy: Make your home appear inhabited, even when you’re away. Consider snow removal from driveways and walkways, or ask neighbors to collect mail and packages.
2. Use Automated Lighting: Control your lights remotely with smart lighting to mimic your presence at home and avoid leaving lights on constantly.
3. Upgrade to Smart Locks: Replace traditional spare keys with secure smart locks that work via codes or smartphone apps.
4. Ensure Adequate Outdoor Lighting: Well-lit exteriors deter burglars. Install automated porch and motion lights for enhanced security, especially during the dark winter evenings.
5. Lock All Doors and Windows: A surprising number of burglaries occur through unlocked doors and windows. Invest in door and window sensors for added protection.
6. Install Indoor and Outdoor Cameras: Security cameras serve as deterrents and provide valuable evidence. Consider both indoor and outdoor cameras for comprehensive coverage.
7. Use Doorbell Cameras: Doorbell cameras allow you to monitor your front door remotely, even when you’re not at home, and can help reduce porch piracy incidents.
8. Dispose of Packaging Wisely: Avoid showcasing valuable items by discarding packaging discreetly, especially after receiving new holiday gifts.
9. Invest in a Home Security System: For ultimate peace of mind, consider a Praos home security system. Our comprehensive packages include indoor and outdoor cameras, smart lighting, smart locks, motion detectors, door sensors, and window sensors. With our 24/7 monitoring center, your home will be protected round the clock, and authorities will be alerted if needed.
Keep your Virginia home safe this winter with these security measures from Praos. Call us today to learn more!
