Fake Out Home Burglars While You're Gone

When I was growing up, my parents would always say before we left the house, "Did you leave the music on for the burglars?" Their idea was that turning on the stereo made it "sound" like someone might be home, when you're not, and therefore would discourage a prowler from breaking in.  Granted there are far more sophisticated ways, and new gadgets on the market to make your home more burglar proof, but turns out faking them out, with old school methods works pretty darned well.

A leading Crime Prevention Authority, who consults law enforcement all over the country, The Crime Doctor, Chris McGoey, tells me his favorite deterrent is the Fake TV.  This is what it looks like

It is a small device the size of a coffee cup with a built in light sensor and timermade to simulate the effects of a Television Show - with the light pulses that simulate scene and color changes!  It consumes just the power of a night-light and looks like you and the family are at home watching TV when you are out. It can also give the look of someone else being in the home with you, when you are alone. More info at www.faketv.com.  Burglars want easy in, easy out, and the path of least resistance. If they think someone is home, the odds are they'll move on.

With many of us still planning summer vacations, the thought of leaving your castle as a sitting target is frightening.  The Crime Doctor has never had it happen to his home. He says if you create your home safety plan right now you'll have peace of mind, and most likely avoid becoming a victim.

Here are more tips to keep burglars from wanting to break into your home:

Cindy

cindy@cindydole.com