It’s easy for contractors to leave front doors open while they’re moving goods back and forth. It’s also easy for them to not hear if a burglar sneaks into your home and starts rummaging around your belongings!
Renovation burglaries can occur when a property is under construction, particularly when the home is temporarily vacant.
In this article, we’ll explain how to stop renovation burglaries and how to protect a house from burglars during renovation work.
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How to Protect House From Burglars During Renovation
If you’re embarking on home renovation work at some point, it’s important to know how you can go about protecting your home from burglaries since it is more vulnerable.
Here’s 8 must know ways to protect a house from burglars during renovation.
1. Ask contractors to keep doors and windows shut when not in use
One of the most important things you can do to prevent renovation burglaries is to ask contractors to keep a property secure before they begin work. That includes keeping most doors and windows shut when they’re not in use.
Most burglaries (63%) happen during the day, and many are facilitated through an open front door (34%), according to FBI stats.
Renovation burglaries are usually impulse crimes, meaning criminals break in when the opportunity arises.
If contractors are working in the yard, they may need to keep the front door open while they’re bringing tools through the house. However, once done, the door should be closed immediately.
Otherwise, a burglar walking past can easily slip in and steal visible items, like car keys, handbags, or laptops.
2. Install home security cameras
Installing home security cameras is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries.
With contractors coming in and out of the house, it can sometimes be impossible to keep doors closed. A security camera viewing the area is an important way to monitor it.
If you don’t have the time to install traditional wired security cameras, set up a free home security camera, like AlfredCamera, instead.
With motion detection alerts, users are notified as soon as someone walks into the frame, giving you peace of mind while contractors are at work on your property.
Aside from push notifications, a built-in siren and the ability to talk through the camera (both of which are features of AlfredCamera) are essential when monitoring a home renovation remotely.
You’ll be able to talk with the contractors at any time, wherever you are, and sound an alarm to alert their attention if a trespasser appears.
How to set up a security camera quickly for free
AlfredCamera is installed in a matter of minutes, making it the perfect surveillance solution on any property while renovation work is taking place. The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
Simply download the AlfredCamera app to an old smartphone and position it in the hallway, garage, or over entry points.
Learn more about installing wireless security cameras quickly on a property.
3. Move valuables upstairs or into closets
For some renovation work, contractors have no choice but to leave doors and windows open for ventilation or when clearing up.
Don’t make it easy for opportunist thieves to steal your possessions. Move valuables upstairs, into locked cupboards, and away from front doors or open windows.
If a thief walks into your house and can’t immediately see anything valuable to steal, they’re more likely to just turn around and leave.
4. Close curtains or block out windows
Thieves are likely to peer through the windows to see what they can take. When renovation work is being done, they’ll look out for workers’ tools, as well as any expensive personal possessions.
Keep downstairs curtains or blinds closed at night. If the curtains have been taken down for the renovation work, block out the windows instead.
Block out windows by using window protection film, or smear Windolene over the windows to stop people from seeing inside. These can be removed easily once the renovation work is complete.
Set up motion detection features on security cameras
Motion Detection Zones enable users to create monitored areas, like over the window or the front door. This stops unnecessary notifications triggered by builders or animals.
Premium users can also create schedules, so camera devices only send notifications for motion detected at certain times.
For example, indoor cameras can automatically be disabled at 6pm (when you arrive home from work) and enabled at 8am the following day (when you leave).
5. Get insurance
Another way to protect your house from burglars during a renovation is to check your home insurance policy and ensure you have suitable cover.
Contractors should have their own insurance to cover them for injury on your property and damage/theft of their own tools while working on the site, but the contractor’s insurance won’t extend to your possessions.
That’s why it’s important to check your own home insurance and what it covers. Make sure it covers thefts during renovation work and accidental damage caused by contractors if you’re concerned.
6. Check windows are locked
When work is being carried out inside a house, windows are opened frequently throughout the day for increased ventilation.
Surveys tell us that as many as 42% of burglars break in through an unlocked window, according to Bankrate. If they’re left open or unlocked, they can be taken advantage of.
Be cautious and make sure windows are locked at the end of each day, particularly flimsy windows (like in the garage) and easily accessible windows (like downstairs).
If they’re opened frequently, position an AlfredCamera device like an old phone or AlfredCam so that it views the area.
7. Display deterrent signage
Deterrent signage can be used at any time on a property to help keep out intruders. It can also be particularly beneficial to use when a house is under renovation.
Signs can be purchased for a few dollars on Amazon and displayed in windows and front yards to deter trespassers.
Common deterrent signage used on properties to deter burglars include:
- CCTV in Operation
- Private Property – No Trespassing
- Trespassers will be prosecuted
- 24-Hour CCTV in Operation
- Video Recording in Progress
- Security Cameras in Use
- Caution: Guard Dogs on Patrol
8. Ask neighbors to keep an eye out
Not everyone works from home or can take time off when renovation work takes place. Most people leave contractors alone in a house.
This can be a risk for homeowners, as it leaves your property unlocked and open at all hours of the day.
If you get on well with your neighbors, ask if they can keep an eye on your home while you’re at work and the builders are in. Have them text you updates on when they leave.
What Do Burglars Hate the Most?
Burglars only target homes that are easy to break into. Because they want to burgle a home quickly and without repercussions, there are some things they hate to find on a property.
Things burglars hate the most include:
- Home security cameras – Burglars don’t want their faces on camera or for you to be notified of their presence (via motion-activated alerts).
- Motion sensor lighting – Lights wake up occupants and make illegal activity visible to anyone driving by, as well as improving footage captured by security cameras.
- Guard dogs – Barking dogs wake up owners and create a sense of threat to potential burglars.
- Security signage – Signage makes homeowners look like they take precautions to protect a property, and may help in deterring potential burglars.
- Hidden valuables – Burglars like to be in and out of a property quickly, and they like to know what’s for the taking.
- Protected letterboxes – Doors can be opened via a letterbox, which can also be used to peer into the property. .
- Remote workers – Burglars prefer breaking into a vacant property, but homeowners working from home make this difficult.
Conclusion
When a property is under renovation, it’s more vulnerable to certain crimes, including thefts and break-ins.
The best way to prevent renovation burglaries is to ask contractors to monitor a property while they’re working and to install security cameras like AlfredCamera to watch over vulnerable entry-points.
The AlfredCamera app is a fast, secure way to protect a property from renovation break-ins at no cost.
Recommended reading:
7 Signs Your House is the Next Burglary Target and What to Do About It
10 Inexpensive Tricks to Secure Your Back Door from Break-ins
Burglary vs Robbery: What’s the Difference?
Should I Move After a Burglary?
What are the Most Common Entry Points For Burglars?
How Does Burglary Affect the Victim?
How to Stop Worrying About Being Robbed or Burgled in 8 Steps