5 Home holiday security myths

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It happens every 15 seconds in America: a burglary, says the FBI’s 2010 Crime Clock Statistics. Don’t fall for the following myths.

Myth 1: “I can’t afford an alarm system.”

2HThere are security systems for every budget. You can even get monitoring from an alarm company for just $9.95 a month—easy money if you give up a little soda and chips every month.

Myth 2: Never tell anyone when you go away on trips.

Someone should know when you’re away—such as a trusted family member, friend or neighbor, to keep watch of your home. Yes, don’t reveal your travel plans on social media and to someone you just met in the slow moving line at the grocery store. But a trusted person should know your travel agenda.

Myth 3: Hide a spare key under the door mat, fake (or real) rock or flower pot.

This advice went out with the dinosaurs. The first place a burglar will look is under these items. Leave the key with a trusted person, or better yet, go keyless:

There are no more keys to lose, hide, carry or forget, so you can secure your home while you run or walk around the neighborhood.

I run and used to have to wear a small runner’s pouch just to keep my house key on my person, but not anymore. Schlage’s Touchscreen Deadbolt is the best keyless lock out there. It’s a motorized bolt that automatically locks and unlocks when a four-digit user code is entered, and its lock-and-leave functionality requires only one touch to instantly safeguard the home.

Myth 4: “Intruders wouldn’t be interested in my home.”

Many people who’ve been burglarized thought their neighborhood was too safe for such a crime. What’s to stop a robber from a “bad neighborhood” from venturing into your neighborhood? A burglar may be drawn to what seems like an idyllic neighborhood because he figures there will be few home security systems, not to mention plenty of unlocked doors and windows.

Myth 5: “I don’t have anything of value.”

A burglar will grab anything that’s easy to grab and run off with, then sell on the street or eBay. Portable electronic gadgets may be just what the thief is looking for.

Robert Siciliano home security expert to Schlage discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures. For Roberts FREE ebook text- SECURE Your@emailaddress -to 411247.