Realtors advise trimming shrubs, networking with neighbors to deter crime!
In an effort to thwart summertime burglaries, Realtors devised four precautions that homeowners can take to safeguard their residences while they're away from home.
No "Home Alone": Before leaving your home during the day, make it look as if someone is still at home by using timers on lights in various rooms. Even though daylight hours are longer during the summer, it may still get dark faster than you expect or you may return home later than anticipated, and taking this step ensures that your home appears occupied at all times.
No Open Door Policy: Ensure that all doors leading to the home and garage area locked, even when leaving for short periods of time. The typical burglary takes less than five minutes, and unlocked doors, combined with an empty home, put out the “Welcome Mat” for crime!
Someone to Watch Over Me: Be landscape smart. Shrubbery and other plants can grow very rapidly during the warm, wet summer months, so keep them trimmed to allow your neighbors to keep an eye on your home. Also, an unkempt yard could be viewed as a sign of an empty home to a burglar. When leaving home, take your house keys along or leave a spart set with a trusted neighbor. Never leave a key under a welcome mat, in a mailbox or other hiding spots – most burglars will know where to look.
Crime Doesn’t Take a Vacation: If you’re planning to be away from home on vacation for more than a day or two, ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway or pick up your mail and newspapers – or be sure to make arrangements to cancel the paper and hold the mail. Disable your garage door opener and manually lock it from the inside, and don’t forget to check the door leading from the garage to the home is locked, too!

^{This information was received from the Inman News Feature}