3 Tips to Keep Your Home Secure While on Vacation

It is widely believed that burglars tend to invade homes more frequently during the holiday season. They know that many people go out of town to visit family members, leaving their homes unattended and vulnerable to invasion. If you’re planning on leaving for an extended vacation in the coming months, it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure. Follow these tips put together by our team at A1 Lock and Key and contact us if you need to update any of your home’s locks.

1. Make it seem like someone is home.

There are several clever ways to make it seem like someone is home when they are not. Burglars specifically look for homes that appear empty to make their heist swift and without incident; so if they believe someone is home, they are less likely to target that home. Many homeowners use lights on a timer or use apps to remotely control different appliances. It's also a good idea to leave a car in your driveway and, if there is snow on the ground, ask a neighbor to walk the path to your door to make it seem like you're there.

2. Stay off social media.

Social media can be both a blessing and a curse. Sure, it's fun to share moments with your loved ones, but you may also be unintentionally broadcasting to burglars the fact that your home is empty. Instead of posting pictures each day, wait until the end of your trip to post them. If you simply cannot wait to post, change your settings so that only trusted, close friends can see your whereabouts.

3. Keep valuables safe.

Easy-to-grab, expensive items are extremely alluring to criminals. Therefore, it's good practice to conceal and secure the high-value items in both your home and garage. Lock up the most important things in a household safe. Remember that many thieves don’t draw the line at stealing physical goods — they also want to steal your identity. Lock up social security cards, financial information, and any personal identification that you’re not bringing with you.

At A1 Lock and Key, your safety is our highest priority. Contact our office at (317) 775-0332 to find out more about our residential locksmith services. We also provide commercial and automotive locksmith services throughout the Indianapolis area.