Heading on holiday? Don’t leave your home unprotected. A Guilford security expert shares practical ways to deter burglars, from smart alarms and remote monitoring to simple pre-trip habits that make your home look lived-in.
There are more than 2.15 million burglaries each year, nearly 70 percent of them are residential break-ins. Police data show that these intrusions often rise during vacation seasons.
While Connecticut ranks among the safest states for property crime, break-ins still happen. Security professionals warn that vacations remain a vulnerable window. “Low crime doesn’t mean low risk,” one home security specialist explains. “Burglars aren’t looking for unsafe neighborhoods. They’re looking for unwatched homes.” The good news is that modern alarm systems and a few strategic habits can turn your empty house into one that looks and sounds fully alive.
Why Holidays Draw Opportunists
Statistics show spikes in residential break-ins around school holidays and major travel weeks. It’s not random. Burglars often scan for signs of absence rather than forcing random entries.
A darkened home at 7 p.m. every night? Curtains that stay closed for days? Those patterns announce that no one’s inside.
Even simple fixes, like leaving a car in the driveway or using smart bulbs to mimic movement, send a message that someone’s still home.
Essential Alarm System Features for Travelers
24/7 Professional Monitoring - A monitored system remains your strongest defense while you’re away. When sensors detect intrusion, the system instantly alerts a professional monitoring center, which verifies the threat and dispatches police or fire services if needed.
This eliminates the delay that occurs when homeowners must be reached first, then call authorities themselves. Response times improve measurably, which matters when every minute counts.
Remote Access & Control - Smartphone integration has transformed how alarm systems function during travel. From a phone app, you can arm or disarm your alarm, view door logs, or check live camera feeds.
If a delivery arrives or a neighbor stops by, you’ll know in real time. These systems allow homeowners to respond instantly to any notification, whether they’re across town or across the country.
Motion Sensors & Door/Window Contacts - Burglars rarely use front doors. Motion sensors and magnetic door/window contacts catch them before they’re fully inside.
Modern setups even include panic buttons, which add another layer of protection for situations when homeowners are present during a break-in attempt.
These silent alarms alert monitoring centers and dispatch police without audible sirens that might escalate dangerous confrontations.
Integrated Fire & Environmental Protection - Vacation safety is not just about theft. Electrical faults, heating issues, or frozen pipes can cause just as much damage. That’s why top-rated systems integrate fire and environmental monitoring.
Smoke and heat detectors linked to professional monitoring systems ensure that fire departments receive alerts immediately, regardless of whether homeowners are present. The system contacts emergency responders automatically, potentially saving the home from total loss.
While temperature alarms can warn of unsafe fluctuations before they lead to equipment failure or water damage.
Video Surveillance: Watch From Anywhere - Nothing reassures like being able to see your home. CCTV and smart cameras provide that peace of mind. Night vision, motion-triggered clips, and live streaming to mobile devices let you check what’s happening from anywhere.
Even when you’re off-grid, visible cameras alone serve as deterrents. Burglars know they’re being recorded and often move on to an easier target. For full coverage, experts suggest placing cameras at entry points and driveways, with at least one visible from the street — a quiet signal that your home is under watch.
When paired with alarm systems, cameras create what professionals call a “redundant security loop” — one layer detects, the other documents. That combination is powerful both for prevention and for insurance claims if an incident occurs.
Pre-Vacation Security Checklist
Before you lock up, spend 15 minutes doing this:
Test your alarm and replace weak batteries. Set smart lights or timers to simulate daily routines. Pause mail delivery or ask a neighbor to collect it. Inform your monitoring provider of travel dates. Double-check window latches, garage doors, and basement entries. Confirm camera angles and recording settings. Share access codes only with one or two trusted contacts.
What Homeowners Should Know
Even as property crime continues to decline statewide, police data show that most break-ins happen in homes without functioning security systems.
Professional monitoring not only deters intruders but also qualifies many homeowners for insurance discounts. Companies like Protect U Services in Guilford say the combination of smart tech, professional installation, and consistent maintenance makes the biggest difference, especially for frequent travelers.
When evaluating a new system, consider three essentials:
Professional monitoring - ensure a live team is watching for alerts, not just an app notification.
Smart integration - remote control through your phone or voice assistant should be seamless, not complicated.
Local expertise - a technician who knows your area’s building codes and response times can tailor protection better than a generic national provider.
The real goal of vacation is rest. The few hours you spend securing your home before a trip can prevent the kind of phone call no one wants to get. With today’s connected security alarm systems and simple pre-travel habits outlined above, you can get peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
Traveling this winter? Protect U Services can help protect your home. Talk to their team today to see the various security systems available to meet your needs. Protect-U-Services LLC City: Guilford Address: 800 Village Walk #318 Website: https://www.protectuservices.com/