With Christmas around the corner, many of us are planning trips to spend the holiday with friends and family. Home security becomes especially important this time of year, since traveling leaves your property more vulnerable, and crime tends to increase during the holidays.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss home security tips for traveling and whether a home security system is worth the money. All Systems Integrated is here to help you have a safe, happy holiday, whether you stay home or travel afar.
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Crime, Holidays, and Home Security
Did you know crime rates rise during the holidays? Specifically, robbery and personal larceny increase by roughly 20% in December. Washington State already has higher property crime rates than average. That means home security deserves special attention in the Seattle and Tacoma area all year, but especially during the holidays.
Christmas tends to involve large, distracting crowds, empty homes, and lots of packages on doorsteps. These things all give criminals easier targets. When you’re Christmas shopping, take care to watch your surroundings and keep track of all your belongings. At home, it’s crucial to limit packages lingering on your doorstep and avoid the appearance of an empty house.
Are Home Security Systems a Worthwhile Investment?
With the unfortunate reality of high property crime in Washington and even greater risk during the holidays, there is no denying that home security systems are a worthwhile investment. A home security system is your best tool to protect your property.
A survey of convicted burglars proves the effectiveness of home security. 60% of the surveyed burglars said they would immediately dismiss a target if it had a security system. If they discovered the system while attempting a crime, more than three-quarters of them said they would leave.
Home Security Systems at ASI
Clearly, home security systems are an effective crime deterrent. Even if a crime is still attempted, a security system can help prevent its success and catch the perpetrator.
We offer versatile, personalized security solutions for your home’s needs. From cameras to alarms, each of our security solutions can work together seamlessly and merge with your smart home automation system for convenient control and the most effective protection.
- Security cameras: We offer indoor and outdoor cameras with advanced features like two-way audio, video analytics, and night vision. Keep an eye on your house and property from anywhere, anytime.
- Alarm systems: Get alerts when someone enters or leaves the house. Safeguard all entrances with glass-break sensors. With the Alarm.com Ecosystem, you can protect your home from all risks with fire detectors, motion sensors, water sensors, and more, all with one simple system.
Pairing Home Automation & Security
Integrating your security with a smart home automation system yields the greatest control and protection, and has particular benefits when you’re away from home. A smart home system makes it easy to schedule your lights to turn on and off regularly and your automated blinds to open and close throughout the day, making the house look occupied. We’ll take a closer look at this in the next section about home security tips.
Other Home Security Tips for Traveling
The best protection for your home is a home security system. However, there are additional steps you can take for security when you’re traveling. The underlying idea of home security tips for travel is to make your home look occupied since criminals look for empty houses.
If possible, ask a friend to stay at your house while you’re away. At the very least, you should have someone check on the house frequently. Here are some of the ways you and the person watching your house can make it look occupied.
- Lights: A dark house is a more likely target. Have the lights on periodically, turning them on and off at normal times. Smart lights connected to your smart home automation system make this particularly easy.
- Blinds: If your blinds stay open or closed for several days straight, that’s an indicator that no one is home. Instead, open and close them regularly. You can do this easily with Hunter Douglas Blinds.
- Mail: Packages left on porches are vulnerable to theft, and they also make it look like no one is home. Ask your friend to regularly bring in mail and packages.
- Cars: An empty driveway often correlates with an empty house. If you can, leave one of your cars parked in the driveway, or ask a friend to park theirs there.
Invest in Home Security this Holiday Season at ASI
At All Systems Integrated, we offer innovative home security solutions and smart technology to keep your home safe and simple. The holidays are a time to gather with friends and family in celebration. This Christmas, give yourself the peace of mind that comes with a secure home.
Contact us today to learn more about our home security tips and solutions for a safe holiday. Merry Christmas from All Systems Integrated!