I recently spoke to a client of mine who was vandalized over the holiday. It seems that there has been an uptick in break-ins these past few years. The economy obviously plays an important part as does the over all emotional view of all of us.
In my eyes, Long Beach is a city with small town values and great community support. Yes, there are areas in the city that are extremely diverse. And, the reputation molded in the past, presents a skewed perception of the city and its neighbors. Overall however, Long Beach is a safe place to live and has great people.
Nonetheless, keeping your home protected from outside intruders will provide solid "peace-of-mind" in knowing you, your family and your home will be safe. A close friend of mine provided some interesting tips in keeping your home secure.
- Consider a Professionally Installed Security System
It is a nice addition to your home defense. There are many to chose from. Consult a professional and don't hesitate to go on-line to consumer reports or blogs that focus on home security. There are plenty out there that will give you. Two that come to mind are:
Home Security Blog
101 Home Security Letter
- Keep The Outside Well Maintained
Take a look at your property from the outside-in. Make sure it doesn't look neglected, hidden or uninhabited. Burglers are looking for an easy target. If the front door or walkway is hidden by shrubbery, it offers burglers the cover they need to break a door or window. Trim shrubs and trees awy from windows and consider widening your front walk.
- Install Motion Detector Lights
An intruder can get into your home from just about anywhere. That's why installing motion detector lights on all sides of your home will provide ample light to greatly deter someone from doing breaking in your home. Simple motion-activated floodlights cost less than $50 each. And installing them is very easy.
- Store Anything Valuable in a Safe Spot
Burglers want things that are easy to grab - electronics, cash, jewelry and other things that allow them to get in and get out safely. Don't get me wrong, they are not above taking your big-screen TV...This is why their first stop is to your bedroom where you likely hide the things that are most valuable. Take a look at each room in your home and ask yourself is there anything here that I can move to a safer spot - one that theives would not consider to look. And, for an investment of $150-200, is a home safe that's bolted to a basement or cement slab be the answer?
- Keep Your Computer Data Out of Reach
In today's digital world, your computer data can be as much a target as anything else. Access to information is power. So, take steps to back up personal information including account access/login codes and passwords, pictures, anything you think valuable. Consider a password to protect your login screen. And always turn off your computer when it is not being used. Make access to your computer harder than blowing up a safe.
- Prepare Ahead of Time in Case the Worst Happens
Take a photo or video inventory of items of value in your home and stor them online or in a home safe. Also, make sure you are properly insured for theft so that if something does happen, you will be able to replace those items that are replacable.
Thinking that your space can be violated is not something any of us want to focus on. However, a little preventative forethought will go a long way in greatly decreasing the likelihood that your home will be targeted by unscrupulous characters.
---
Dave Harbison
Long Beach REALTOR®
Main Street Realtors
(562) 618-9770
---
Long Beach Realtor® / Real Estate Agent
Long Beach Homes for Sale, Condos and Investment Properties
Long Beach Relocation Expert
---
Labels: flood lights, Homes, Long Beach, Safety, Security Systems, System, Well Maintained
# posted by
Dave Harbison @ 6:57 AM
