Summer Security

Now that summer is on the way, we are sprucing up our yards, tuning up lawnmowers, and preparing for a summer of hiking, fishing, and enjoying the season of midnight sun. A break-in would ruin anyone’s day. Don’t let your home be a target. Security professionals have a term for a secured home. A “hardened target” is a home whose owners have taken time to reduce the risk of invasion with a few simple steps. Basically, when a homeowner increases the time and effort it would take for a crime to happen the homeowner has increased the chances of a would-be criminal avoiding their property.

For starters, even though plant growth abounds in the summer season, homeowners should keep shrubbery low around the home, especially near doors and windows. The fewer places a criminal has to hide, the better. Also, the property should be well-lighted. Motion detectors on lights save electricity and also highlight anyone creeping around your property. Tools and toys are put away. It is always wise to remove valuable items from roadside view, however, a savvy burglar is happy to steal from an unsecured shed. Be sure keys to ATVs and dirt bikes are secured inside the house, trailers are padlocked, and even out-of-season items such as snow machines are secured. Summer is the season when Alaskans are enjoying many activities requiring all kinds of equipment. Keep it secured, keep your yard neat, and reduce the chance of an unpleasant break-in at your house.