HOA Crime Prevention Tips To Keep You Safe

 

The ever-present threat of potential crime is a common fear of homeowners. Beyond the thought of someone taking your stuff, the idea of a stranger entering your property without your consent can fundamentally alter your relationship with your home and community.

The good news is that homeowners can take steps to deter and lessen the impact of potential criminal acts in their homes and communities.

The following ways can help you and your family maintain a safe residence while you enjoy your time away or relax at home: 

Protect your home:

  • Make sure to lock your front, back, and side doors and windows whether you’re going out or settling in for a day at home.

  • Install a home security system. Alarms work as an effective deterrent, especially if your service provider gives you a sign to put on the front yard of your property.

  • Lock your car doors. Make sure you can account for all garage openers and keys. If you want to keep a garage opener in a car, put it somewhere out of view. Make sure both exterior and interior garage doors are locked.

  • While it shouldn’t be the main reason you get a dog, having a well-trained and vocal fur baby can make your home safer. Whether big dogs or small, most robbers avoid homes with dogs. 

How to make sure your home looks occupied:

  • Turn your lights on at night and install an on/off timer on appliances (like a few lamps in the most visible room from your home’s front door) for when you’re away, so it looks like someone is home.

  • Properly maintain your yard, especially in the days leading up to your getaway. If plants need watering, see if a neighbor would be willing to stop by and water them.

  • Track when packages will arrive. Ensure anything that might come while you’re away will be picked up by a neighbor or kept by the delivery company until you return.

  • Only post on social media while on vacation; never indicate how long you will be gone. Instead, wait to post pictures when you return.

  • Cover windows with curtains or blinds to maintain privacy and not invite people to scope out your belongings.

Learn about your surroundings:

  • Get to know your neighbors and see if they’d be willing to check in on your house. Offer to do the same for them when they’re away. They don’t even have to go inside; ask them to keep an eye out for any disturbances.

  • Once you’ve gotten to know your community, gauge interest in a neighborhood watch.

  • If your community has a neighborhood watch or on-site security, ask them to check in on your house if you plan to leave for an extended period.

Be cautious at the door:

  • Install systems like Ring or Nest to see who is at your door without opening it or peering out the window. A Ring camera, or a similar device, also allows you to communicate with who’s at the door when you’re away from home. These brands also make cameras inside your home and lights to illuminate your home’s exterior.

  • Request identification from people you don’t know, especially if they look like an official. If they work for a government department, their employee information is likely publicly available.

Manage your documents:

Some of these steps require more work and money than others, so the best recommendation anyone can give you as a homeowner is to be present in your community. By being present and staying vigilant, you can help protect your home from any potential crime.

Are you looking for a new HOA management company? Contact Condominium Associates today! 

 
Eddy Lyons