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15 Simple Secure Home Holiday Travel Tips

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The holidays are here, and burglars are ready for you. Are you ready for them? One of the best ways to deter home robbery is to make the burglar think you’re inside the house. Here’s how to do that: 2H

  1. The first thing to do is enforce the burglar’s favorite point of entry: the front door. Though movies usually show intruders bashing through windows (for dramatic effect), the vast majority get in through the front door. The door should be protected with a full-scale deadbolt/lock device, ideally with a built-in alarm—which can be controlled remotely.Piper, which is controlled from your iOS or Android mobile device, has a 105db alarm that can be triggered to go off when the door or window has been opened or when motion has been detected.
  2. There are “door reinforcement” devices out there that beef up your door jams from kick-ins. Google them and get them!
  3. Burglars, of course, do make break-in attempts through windows, including second story, so keep them locked at all times.
  4. Make sure the garage is always locked. Unplug garage door openers if you are gone for a while.
  5. Never pack up your vehicle for vacation in plain view; do it inside the garage with the door down. If there’s not enough room, do it late at night in the dark.
  6. Put a vacation hold on your mail and newspaper delivery.
  7. If you plan on being on vacation, arrange to have your lawn mowed (unattended lawns look like you haven’t been home for a long time) and any snowfall shoveled while you’re gone.
  8. Have a trusted person park their car in your driveway to make it seem like you’re home.
  9. Whether or not you have a dog, leave out signs that you have a large dog, but don’t be stagey about it. A large, unlabeled bowl with a few “uneaten” bits of food is more convincing than a perfectly clean bowl labeled “THOR.”
  10. Use light timing devices rather than leaving a light on the entire time while you’re gone. Piper home automation capabilities can be set up to turn lights on and off and allow you to remotely view all home activity from your mobile device.
  11. Don’t display holiday gifts to the outside world; the pile under the tree should be impossible to see from outside.
  12. And just in case someone does break in, make it hard for them to find any valuables. For instance, place your jewelry in a fast food bag in a fake wastebasket. It’s not likely a crook will think to check it for diamonds.
  13. Don’t announce your vacation plans on Facebook until after you’ve returned.
  14. Don’t say anything on your voice mail welcome that suggests you’re out, such as “we will return soon.” Instead say, “We’re unable to answer right now; please leave a message.” Better yet, say something like, “We are home, but busy right now; I’ll return your call immediately.”
  15. Get a home security system that’s remotely controlled. Piper doesn’t require a monthly monitoring fee so you can save a few bucks around the holidays.

Robert Siciliano, personal and home security specialist for Piper, the All-In-One Home Security, Video Monitoring and Automation Device, discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

The Whitehouse Break-in

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What a nutcase: the man who recently broke into the White House, missing President Obama by just minutes. (Why isn’t the White House fence more unscalable?)

2HOmar J. Gonzalez, 42 and unarmed, was arrested just inside the house. The Texan was charged with unlawful entry, and it’s not clear what his motive was.

The Sept. 19 incident began when Gonzalez was spotted climbing the fence. A Secret Service agent cleared people out of the area. The intruder sprinted across the lawn after hopping down from the fence and went through the north portico doors. A witness even said, “He got a good run in,” referring to the North Lawn sprint. Parts of the White House were evacuated, and officials were yelling to the man to freeze.

Obama had been scheduled to depart, by helicopter with his daughters, at 7:05 pm, leaving from the South Lawn. Gonzalez got over the fence at 7:20 pm. However, apparently, Obama had left only a few minutes before this incident.

The video surveillance of Gonzalez shows what appears to be a man running in a race. Maybe he’d been training specifically for this event? Who knows.

Though scaling the fence isn’t new, this incident may be a first in that the trespasser succeeded in gaining entry to the White House.

Wonder what Gonzalez has claimed, if at all, is the reason he did what he did. Did “voices” tell him to do it? Was it a dare, a bet with a lot of money riding on it? Did he want 15 minutes of fame, even if it came with a prison cost? And how is it that security at the White House is so lax? What if this guy had had a grenade on him, and Obama was delayed a few more minutes and just happened to be near the entrance where Gonzalez burst into?

You’d think a Whitehouse home security system equipped with armed guards, dogs and fences would keep a crazy out. Or maybe they don’t even have an actual system. If I’m ever elected president, I’d get one.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Bolster your Belongings on TV and This is what happens

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How did a burglar know that Theresa Roemer had a 3,000 square foot, three-level closet that was crammed full of very pricey items including jewels and furs? Well, apparently, he caught wind of the “she cave” on TV, then perhaps Google Earthed it and (believe it or not) the evening he decided to bust in, the house alarm wasn’t on. And the closet wasn’t locked.

3BThe burglar stole $1 million worth of jewels and designer handbags from the enormous closet in Theresa Roemer’s mansion in The Woodlands, a Houston suburb.

While she was out dining with her husband, the thief filled three handbags with loot, and each handbag is worth $60,000. This was like a young kid in a candy factory.

Nobody really knows why the alarm was turned off.

Roemer has hosted many parties for charity inside the closet, which also includes a champagne bar. In addition to the handbags, furs and jewels are rows of shoes, boots, hats, clothes and beauty products. If you saw the move “Bling Ring” which was based on real events and often filmed in what was supposed to be Paris Hiltons closet, then you’d get the idea.

Roemer stated that she really doesn’t care about the replaceable items and refers to these as “crap.” She has expressed angst that some of the stolen items are heirlooms. Most people who lose stuff in a fire feel the same way.

The mansion’s surveillance cameras recorded the burglar, and it’s only a matter of time before the thief is identified. And even if the surveillance cameras eventually lead to an arrest and conviction, nobody wants to experience coming home to find that it’s been invaded and that valuable items have been stolen.

If you’re going to bother with having surveillance cameras, then also bother turning on the alarm when you’re gone and even when you’re home. But let’s not also forget that Roemer revealed her closet of riches on TV…a big mistake.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Child’s Honesty nabs Robbers

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A four-year-old girl witnessed two young men break into her home to commit a robbery. You’d think this would cause some kind of post-traumatic stress disorder, or at least at a minimum, nightmares.

3BBut it looks like instead, Abby Dean of Washington, WI, will have dreams of flying around with a cape and rescuing people. That’s because her accurate description led to a confession by the thieves.

She was with her 17-year-old babysitter when it happened. The men told the girls to leave so that they could steal valuables. And they took off with computer devices and a small amount of cash.

The teenager told police that the burglars were black, and that one resembled the next-door neighbor. The cops took the neighbor away for questioning.

But Abby insisted that the crooks were white. Soon, the babysitter’s story wasn’t adding up very well. Eventually, the teen confessed that the robbers were her teen boyfriend and his buddy. The trio had plotted the crime. The stolen goods were returned. Abby stated, “They got it back because of me being the superhero.”

How do you prevent a crime like this?

  • You can’t beat security cameras. A surveillance system can alert a homeowner with a text or phone call, plus set off additional lighting or loud noises—not to mention provide a visual of the intruder.
  • Don’t worry about cost. The system will add value to your house. Furthermore, your homeowner’s insurance might give a discount if you have a solid security system.
  • Some surveillance systems allow the homeowner to watch what’s going on in real time; Dropcam is such a system.
  • The mere sight of a camera is a proven deterrent to burglaries and home invasions.

But suppose someone breaks in while you’re home and doesn’t care that cameras are on him. This is video evidence that will be extremely valuable in court.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Burglars steal Computers, Jewelry and Puppy!

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If ever there were a heartless robber, it’s the one (or two/three?) who stole a little dog named Pepper, a schnauzer-poodle mix, as part of their burglary in New Jersey.

Barbara August, the homeowner, said, “I’m devastated—I keep thinking I’m seeing her.” She wonders why the burglars didn’t just put Pepper in her crate and then do the ransacking. August also explained that the burglars got in through a back door that was not locked due to a defect.

But this story has a happy ending: A few days later August and her husband were reunited with their “schnoodle.”

2BHere’s how to prevent home thefts:

  1. Keep your home’s exterior well-lit, and use timers on indoor lights so nobody thinks the house is vacant.
  1. Have an alarm system and one that sets off a sound (when you’re home) and shrieking alarm (when you’re not) whenever a door or window is opened.
  1. Lock your doors and windows! If something’s broken, waste no time getting it fixed. Hollywood likes to perpetuate the idea that burglars typically use elaborate tricks to get into a home or simply whack a window with a sledgehammer to get in. But the reality is that many just traipse right through an unlocked door or crawl through an open or unlocked window.
  1. As for burglars who get past a locked door, a solid core door will be very difficult to bust through. Use heavy deadbolts—ones that go deep into the jamb that have 3-4 inch screws. A sliding glass door can be guarded with a wooden dowel that prevents it from being opened from outside.
  1. Wooden dowels should be installed on top of windows as well. Windows should have films over the glass that prevent breaking. Top everything off with a glass-break sensor anyways.
  1. Get an alarm system AND security cameras. Today’s surveillance cameras are more affordable and easier to install than ever.
  1. Get to work now on your security system; don’t wait till you’re victimized.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Sandra Bullock stalked and burglarized

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Gee, even the rich and famous can be burglarized. Recently a man apparently broke into the West Los Angeles home of Sandra Bullock; he’d also been stalking her. He pleaded not guilty to the charges which include weapons possession—one of the weapons was a machine gun—all found in his home.

1SDAll in all, bail was set for $2 million, and it has yet to be determined if there’s enough evidence for him to go to trial.

HE got onto Bullock’s property in the wee hours of the morning by climbing a fence. Bullock locked herself in a room once she became aware that someone was on the premises. A call to 9-1-1 was made from inside the house, and he was arrested at the scene.

Whether you’re a wealthy movie star or an average Joe or Jane with an average income, there are security measures you should take. After all, you don’t have to be famous to be the target of an intruder.

  • A surveillance system should be set up inside your house, complete with an ear-piercing alarm.
  • A home security system will also contact the police should you not be there or be rendered incapacitated by the intruder.
  • A would-be intruder will think twice before trying to penetrate your home upon sighting the security company’s decals and signs on your property.
  • Have a surveillance system protect the entire perimeter of your property.
  • Imagine you’re away from home and your smartphone alerts you that there’s an intruder on your property. This technology exists. Security cameras, upon detecting motion, can send an alert to your mobile device. The cameras can also set off a siren or lighting that would send an intruder running.
  • Not only can your smartphone receive an alert, but there are apps that allow you to view your home through your mobile.
  • If you have the money, or are resourceful, build a “panic room” aka “safe room”. Google it.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Burglar seen on Video hovering over Baby

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What was going through the head of a burglar as he was hovering over a baby after breaking into a house? Did he momentarily pause to take a breather and find a sense of peace and calm at the sight of an innocent baby? Or…was he contemplating harming the toddler or kidnapping?2B

One thing we know for sure: The 19-year-old actually hovered over the sleeping baby, as this was caught on tape. The man admitted to involvement in two other Houston burglaries, and in one of those he had stolen a gun.

The latest crime occurred on April 5 and the video went viral. The burglar’s name is Christopher Gomez; he confessed to being the star of the video.

His arrest record includes breaking into a car and marijuana possession.

Gomez committed the April 5 crime while the baby’s family was asleep. Nobody heard him enter (makes you wonder what kind of home security the homeowner had, but that’s a whole new article). A laptop computer and briefcase, property of the homeowner, were found later in a neighbor’s yard.

Gomez’s lawyer stated that he’s not sure that the man in the video is his client (even though Gomez confessed). Furthermore, the lawyer, Ralph Gonzalez, pointed out that even if his client is the intruder, he didn’t harm the baby or anyone else. Gonzales added that the video makes the crime seem worse than it actually was.

Gomez is in jail meanwhile, but if he gets out, he’s ordered to remain within a thousand feet of his home and wear an ankle monitor.

Interestingly, as bailiffs escorted Gomez from the courtroom, he mouthed “Hi Mom,” to his family members. It’s safe to assume that his mother then thought, “Where did I go wrong?”

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Using Technology to Secure Your Home when Traveling

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Whom better than a burglar knows what a great way to find a victim is? Edith Cowan University in Australia interviewed 69 burglars. One of their favorite methods of finding a target is to search social media for vacation updates.

3BYou can extrapolate that it wouldn’t be a bright idea to reveal travel plans on your voicemail. Only close family and friends should know; this excludes casual neighbors. Here are more tips:

Don’t buy the biggest house on the block. The biggest, fanciest house on the block really gets a burglar’s attention. Skip it when home shopping.

Home security systems

The vast majority of burglars will not bother with a home that has an alarm. Put the alarm company’s stickers on your windows and their sign in your yard.

Home automation

Use services like Total Connect by Honeywell to control your home from wherever you are. Get video updates of any activity on your front door or cars. You can unlock and disarm your system all from your phone.

Hide valuables

Use a safe for pricey items. Put jewelry in a plastic bag from Walmart, then put it on your vanity. What thief will look inside, thinking it’s new hairspray or a pack of bobby pins?

Close your curtains

It’s a myth that closed curtains in broad daylight are an invitation to burglars. Thieves don’t just break into any home. They want to make sure their efforts are worth it. How can they know this if they can’t see into your house?

But if you want the curtains/shades open for light to come in or to expose a nice view, at least close them when it begins getting dusky. A burglar cases possible targets by looking inside, and it’s very easy for them to see through a bare window at night when your lights are on. Not only can they see what’s worth breaking in for, but they’ll be able to see if the residents can be easily overpowered.

Looks are everything

Accumulations of mail and newspapers will get a burglar’s attention. So will unmowed lawns and a perpetually barren driveway. Put a delivery stop on mail and newspapers, and ask neighbors to park their cars in your lot. Use automatic timers for indoors that set off lights and TVs. Mute the ringer volume on your phone.

Lock your front door!

A 2008 State Farm Insurance study revealed that under 50 percent of 1,000 respondents locked their front doors. It takes the average thief 60 seconds to break in, but only a few seconds for you to lock each portal to your home. Burglars don’t like hard work. Add extra security with a deadbolt.

The Bureau of Justice Statistics, interestingly, says that 40 percent of home burgles are not forced entries. Burglars are literally waltzing right into homes via an unlocked door or window. Lock up, even when you’re home, even during the day. Many burglaries occur during the day.

Keep the garage door closed

Even when you’re home. Install a device that will automatically close the garage door after a specific amount of time open. Prior to traveling, disable the door’s opener or lock the door if it rolls up.

Trash

Don’t leave the boxes that expensive items came in, visible on your curb for trash pickup. Disassemble as much as possible and conceal.

Don’t aid burglars

Keep plant growth away from entry points so that burglars can’t conceal themselves when they’re trying to break in. If you absolutely must have shrubbery near entry points due to aesthetic appeal, then choose thorny plants to repel a thief.

Know your neighbors

Not many burglars will get past a Mrs. Kravitz-type neighbor. A stranger will stand out to neighbors who know each other. Get a Neighborhood Watch program going.

Get a dog

A dog’s incessant barking will drive many burglars away.

Robert Siciliano is a personal security expert to SecurityOptions.com discussing home security and identity theft on TBS Movie and a Makeover. Disclosures.

Convict heads back to Jail for Burglary

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Criminals do what they do because that’s their nature. Once bad, there’s hardly a chance they can be good.

1GJeffrey L. Patton, 43, said, “I’ve been scared to death of this day right here,” in reference to being put on trial for two unrelated crimes. So Patton pleaded guilty to the two crimes he was charged with and got four years in prison.

The two crimes: Patton had burglarized a woman’s residence outside the town of Willard on March 11, 2013 while she was asleep. He was also convicted of tampering in an unrelated crime.

As for the burglary, Patton and his accomplice had been rummaging through a drawer of jewelry when the woman awakened. They fled after she yelled at them.

At first, Patton denied involvement in either crime and even said, “I never burglarized a home in my life.” Patton’s lawyer, David Longo, believes that his client was not the primary offender. Longo says that Patton insisted that the burglary wasn’t even his idea.

The way Patton and his accomplice were pursued by authorities sounds like a scene from a cops-and-robbers movie. They fled into a hotel. Authorities surrounded most of the building, including 17 sheriff’s deputies. But the burglars escaped through an emergency exit. Eventually the pair was caught.

As for the tampering situation, evidenced showed that Patton had hidden a syringe in the back seat of his sister’s car where he was a passenger. His DNA was present on the drug paraphernalia, but the defendant was angered at the prosecutor’s accusation. “I don’t tamper with evidence,” insisted Patton.

Can you imagine waking to two men in your bedroom? That could have been much worse.

Protect yourself:

  • Get a home security system. A home security system sends off a piercing alarm and a monitored system alerts the police to intruders.
  • Lock and fortify your doors and windows.
  • Consider a protection dog as another layer of security.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.

Burglary leads to Murder

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The routine was well-grounded: Helen Van Orden, 79, worked as a housekeeper from 8 a.m. till noon Monday through Friday at Emeritus at College Park in Manatee. Then she’d go straight home and walk her dog.

2BOne day, she was waiting for her son, Charles Van Orden, 61, to call at 9 pm as he did every night to check on her. She didn’t answer, so Charles went to her small apartment next day and found his mother’s dead body in the living room.

The suspect in the murder is Richard Wayne Matthews, Jr., 32. Charles believes his mother was killed for her credit cards, purse and car. The victim’s daughter, Mary Ann Layhew, believes a connection existed between Matthews and her mother, in that the suspect knew Layhew’s son.

Crushed by the tragedy, Charles took his mother’s dog to an animal shelter, being unable to care for her.

Matthews is no stranger to a life of crime; he has numerous felony convictions. He’s been charged in Helen’s murder, plus burglary with assault and battery, and auto theft. This sounds like a slam-dunk case, as Matthews was dumb enough to tell three people he murdered Helen.

Ronald Ellison, Matthews’ godfather, told the sheriff’s office that Matthews told him he had “killed a lady at the Burgundy Apartments [where Helen lived],” and that he had stolen her credit cards and car. The ditched car was eventually found.

Matthews is being held without bond in the Manatee County jail.

Charles wants to confront his mother’s killer in court and ask him why on earth he would ever commit such a heinous crime. Charles was quoted as saying that he wants Matthews “to get everything you deserve.”

Yes, let’s definitely hope that this ruthless killer gets the harshest punishment.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.