With the holiday season in full swing, along with trips to visit family and winter vacations, it’s important for everyone to take stock of their home security. Each year there are over 2.5 million burglaries across the US, with Tennessee reporting 22,517 and Georgia 18,452 burglaries in 2021. 

 

To protect your home, today’s technology allows for a large variety of customizable options from doorbell and outdoor cameras to motion detectors that you can monitor easily from your smartphone. Full home security systems are more affordable than ever, with local companies offering the peace of mind of professional installation and monitoring with pricing similar to self-installed systems. 

 

Additionally, security systems are not just an option for homeowners anymore. Wireless home security systems offer protection for renters without any damage to leased property and the convenience of being able to move the system with you. 

 

Proper outdoor lighting is also especially important in deterring potential theft. If your home does not have adequate lighting, some of the options you may want to consider include motion-detecting flood lights around your home, and solar-powered pathway lights and spotlights to keep entrances well-lit and less enticing to criminals. 

 

“According to the FBI -2/3 of thefts and burglaries are decided randomly and on the spot.   They want ease and no detection.  A lit entryway, path or home will most likely make them move on and search for an easier target. Light it right through the night,” says Joe Bozich, president of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Chattanooga. “Studies suggest that lighting not only acts as a deterrent of crime, but also improves community cohesion and pride in home ownership.”

 

As always, make it a habit to lock any vehicles in your driveway or parked at your home and remove any valuables. Theft of personal property from vehicles is the most common type of larceny theft, with over one million reported in 2020 by police. And motor vehicle thefts numbered over 20,000 in Tennessee and over 18,000 in Georgia in 2021. 

 

If you’ll be away during the holidays, put a hold on your mail and ask a friend to watch for any deliveries. Mail and packages piling up at your door or in your mailbox can alert criminals that you are out of town. It’s also a good idea to leave a light on in the home or use timers to switch lights in the evening, and ask a neighbor to keep an eye out for anything suspicious. 

 

After you have installed a security system, proper lighting, or other safety actions in place, be sure to notify your insurance company. Many insurance policies offer discounts for these preventative measures.

 

To find out more about home security and outdoor lighting, visit the Home Builders Association of Greater Chattanooga’s member directory at www.HBAGC.net to find a list of qualified, local professionals to help with your needs.