Nothing ruins the memory of a great vacation like coming home and finding that someone has broken into your house while you were gone. Fortunately, with some smart planning and a little help from a locksmith, you can make your home more secure before you leave town. Here are some ideas for protecting your home while you’re on vacation.

How to Keep Your Home Secure While You’re Away

1. Remove Spare Keys

If you normally keep spare keys hidden somewhere outside just in case you accidentally lock yourself out of the house, pick them up and stash them indoors before you leave town. Many people hide their key someplace that’s convenient for them but also apparent to thieves, such as under the welcome mat or in a potted plant on the porch, which puts their home security at risk. Besides, no matter how clever your hiding spot may be, potential burglars who might be watching your house will know you’re away, so they know they can take their time looking for a key.

2. Install Smart Locks

To eliminate the risk of your house key falling into the wrong hands, have a locksmith install a lock that doesn’t operate with keys at all. Smart locks operate remotely from your smartphone and allow you to give temporary access to other people by giving them their own codes that expire whenever you choose. This makes them a great option if you have a pet sitter stopping by to take care of your animals or a neighbor coming over to water your plants while you’re away. Smart locks are available with a wide variety of features, so ask your locksmith to recommend one that will best meet your needs.

3. Consider Security Cameras

If you travel a lot, you may want to invest in security cameras for your home. Having cameras placed inside and outside your house can deter would-be burglars, and if someone does trespass in your home, you’ll be able to see who it is. Some modern security cameras are motion activated and can connect to your smartphone, so you can receive an alert right away if someone is moving around on your property and call the authorities from wherever you happen to be.

 

Jim’s Bike & Key Shop has been providing reliable locksmith services in Columbia, MO, and the surrounding areas for over 40 years. Whether you need lock installation, key cutting, or emergency lockout service, their team of licensed, bonded, and certified professionals is ready to help. Call (573) 442-7011 or visit their website to request assistance.