Spare key no-no’s
Hiding your spare key under a mat or a rock outside is never a good idea – no matter how safe your neighborhood might seem.
- Never put your name, number, address, or personal information on a key.
If you were ever to lose this key, a thief would not have a hard time tracing the key back to your home. If you do end up misplacing a key, then get the locks changed immediately. - Never hide your spare key in your wallet.
They have your home address (since it’s on your driver’s license) and the spare key to get inside your home. - Never advertise the fact that you’ve chosen to hide a key outside your home.
If you do this and tell someone about it, relocate the key.
Alternatives to hiding a key outside
Instead of hiding your key under the mat, consider the following suggestions for a safer place to keep your spare key:
- A programmable door lock is by far the safest way to remedy the need for a spare key. With a programmable smart lock, you no longer need a key. You’ll be able to program different codes for different users as well as lock and unlock your door straight from your phone with your home security companies mobile app.
- You could also put a spare key into a combination lockbox and hide that somewhere outside.
- One of the best options if you lose your keys regularly is to keep your spare with a trusted neighbor or a nearby family member. Discuss a plan of action with your child in case they get locked out.
Spare keys are both handy and hazardous and should be used with caution.
Today’s technology provides you with simple and affordable alternatives to a hidden key.
Brinks Home Security™ has spent years developing and perfecting its state-of-the-art home security system while offering the lowest starting prices. Contact us today.
WHAT DO BURGLARS DO WITH STOLEN ITEMS?
If you’ve been the victim of a burglary, you know that once your emotions run their course, you have some questions.
For example, who exactly was this burglar?
Why did they pick my home?
What did they do with my items?
Did they sell them?
Are my items that valuable?
Once a burglar makes away with stolen property, there are several options of where to cash out on these newly gathered goods. Unfortunately for homeowners, some of the options make it extremely difficult to obtain items once they’ve been stolen—or to even charge a suspect.
Pawn shops
Pawn shops are one of the first locations a burglar will target. Police in many areas attempt to develop relationships with the owners of local pawn shops, this way the owner will immediately alert authorities if criminals are attempting to sell items that were previously stolen.
If they find their serial numbers are listed on items, they can regain their property.
Some owners have a relationship with burglars and know the items being brought in are stolen. Since most modern-day pawn shops require IDs, these burglars are likely using fake IDs to get away with their actions.
Other common methods of selling your stolen property include:
- Selling items on the street or black market
- Some criminals take their items to sell in other states or countries
- Social media sites like Facebook, or other classifieds like Craigslist, unfortunately make recovering property that has been stolen, rather difficult.
The highest likelihood of regaining property comes if you know the serial numbers of your property and contact law enforcement right when theft occurs.
We encourage preventing theft before it can occur using home security equipment.
Homes with a security system are 33% less likely to be broken into.
Keeping your home secure with a security system gives you 24/7 monitoring for around-the-clock protection.
With Overwatch Security Alarm you can customize your security package with only the products you want for your home. Contact us today for a free quote.