How to keep your home safe while you are away

This is a revision of a post I put up 6 years ago.

I am repeating it as it has some very good advice that could save you a lot of problems and save you money.

The original post was prompted by an article I read published by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Below is an extract.

It contains some fairly good advice but as I point out it is not really the answer. Don’t worry I do share a better solution (and one that will not cost you anything) so keep reading.

Here is the extract

5 ways to burglar-proof your home
https://goo.gl/oEaowg

Over 70% of thieves search social media to find empty homes.
Beat the burglars by following these top tips to a more secure home:

1. Don’t share the fact your house is empty
It may be tempting to share your ‘hurrah, I’m going on holiday’ feeling with your friends but, according to mediabistro.com, 78% of thieves use social media to find empty houses. It’s best to avoid posting about your break on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And make sure selfie-obsessed teenagers do the same!

2. Make your house look lived in
If you get milk or newspapers delivered, make sure you cancel them during your holiday so there isn’t a build up. If you have a window by your letterbox, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s covered so any prying eyes can’t see the build-up of letters by your front door. Things like this make it obvious to criminals that no one is home. If you have timers for your lights, use these to make it look as if someone is coming and going.

3. Recruit a neighbour or family member
If you have family or neighbours who can come over every day, they can make it look as if someone is in. If they can move your post, or park a car in the driveway, it will help put off a burglar who may be monitoring your home.

4. Lock all your windows and doors
A quarter of break-ins are through windows, so make sure they’re firmly locked, even those on upper floors. If no one is around, consider installing movement-activated floodlights or sensor lights at the front or back of your home.

5. Keep valuables in a safe place
Over half of people don’t leave their valuables in a secure place, according to a study by confused.com. In fact, 13% leave items in a sock drawer – a popular target for burglars. It’s worth investing in a safe or finding a clever spot to stash precious jewellery and gadgets. For insurance purposes, doors should have a five-lever mortise deadlock to comply with BS3621 and window locks BS7950.

All excellent advice…. BUT sadly it is not that easy.

Burglars also read those tips. They know the tricks we are advised to use and so are often not fooled.

The fact is that your house is still being left empty and while these ‘tricks & tips’ may help to hide that they are no substitute for having the house actually occupied with someone living there.

This is where we can help. And it is FREE.

We can help you find a suitable person or family to live in your home while you are away. they will even look after your pets. No pretending the house is occupied. It will be occupied by someone trustworthy with good references and it will not cost you anything.

The other side of the coin is that if you would like a rent-free vacation we have houses owners all over the world who let us know when they are going to be away and we can put you in contact with them.

Have a look at our website for more information. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

WordPressise adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

 

How to Burglar Proof Your Home

I was reading an article published by the Good Housekeeping Institute.

Below is an extract.

It contains some fairly good advice but as I point out it is not really the answer. Don’t worry I do share a better solution (and one that will not cost you anything) so keep reading.

Here is the extract

5 ways to burglar-proof your home
https://goo.gl/oEaowg

Over 70% of thieves search social media to find empty homes.
Beat the burglars by following these top tips to a more secure home:

1. Don’t share the fact your house is empty
It may be tempting to share your ‘hurrah, I’m going on holiday’ feeling with your friends but, according to mediabistro.com, 78% of thieves use social media to find empty houses. It’s best to avoid posting about your break on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. And make sure selfie-obsessed teenagers do the same!

2. Make your house look lived in
If you get milk or newspapers delivered, make sure you cancel them during your holiday so there isn’t a build up. If you have a window by your letterbox, it’s a good idea to make sure it’s covered so any prying eyes can’t see the build-up of letters by your front door. Things like this make it obvious to criminals that no one is home. If you have timers for your lights, use these to make it look as if someone is coming and going.

3. Recruit a neighbour or family member
If you have family or neighbours who can come over every day, they can make it look as if someone is in. If they can move your post, or park a car in the driveway, it will help put off a burglar who may be monitoring your home.

4. Lock all your windows and doors
A quarter of break-ins are through windows, so make sure they’re firmly locked, even those on upper floors. If no one is around, consider installing movement-activated floodlights or sensor lights at the front or back of your home.

5. Keep valuables in a safe place
Over half of people don’t leave their valuables in a secure place, according to a study by confused.com. In fact, 13% leave items in a sock drawer – a popular target for burglars. It’s worth investing in a safe or finding a clever spot to stash precious jewellery and gadgets. For insurance purposes, doors should have a five-lever mortise deadlock to comply with BS3621 and window locks BS7950.

All excellent advice…. BUT sadly it is not that easy.

Burglars also read those tips. They know the tricks we are advised to use and so are often not fooled.

The fact is that your house is still being left empty and while these ‘tricks & tips’ may help to hide that they are no substitute for having the house actually occupied with someone living there.

This is where we can help. And it is FREE.

We can help you find a suitable person or family to live in your home while you are away. they will even look after your pets. No pretending the house is occupied. It will be occupied by someone trustworthy with good references and it will not cost you anything.

The other side of the coin is that if you would like a rent-free vacation we have houses owners all over the world who let us know when they are going to be away and we can put you in contact with them.

Have a look at our website for more information. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

 

 

WordPressise adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

Fake News and a good laugh

Everywhere I go people are talking about FAKE NEWS.

They make it sound like a new phenomenon but I was reminded of a post I put up on this blog way back 6 years ago and I thought it was worth repeating.

Here it is. It was titled

 

The Biker, The Hungry Lion and Housesitting

As I was reading a report on housesitting in the Guardian I was reminded of this old but still funny story:

A biker is riding by the zoo, when he sees a little girl leaning into  the lion’s cage. Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of her jacket  and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents. The biker jumps off his bike, runs to the cage and hits the lion square on the nose with a powerful punch.

Whimpering from the pain the lion jumps back letting go of the girl, and the biker brings her to her terrified parents, who thank him endlessly.

A reporter has seen the whole scene, and addressing the biker, says  Sir, this was the most gallant and brave thing I saw a man do in my whole life. 

Why, it was nothing, really, the lion was behind bars. I just saw this little kid in danger, and acted as I felt right.

Well, I’ll make sure this won’t go unnoticed. I’m a journalist, you know, and tomorrow’s papers will have this on the first page. What motorcycle do you ride?

A Harley Davidson.

The following morning the biker buys the paper to see if it indeed brings news of his actions, and reads, on the first page:

BIKER GANG MEMBER ASSAULTS AFRICAN IMMIGRANT AND STEALS HIS LUNCH

As I said I was reading an article in The Guardian that reminded me of that story. The headline says Find a housesitter – for free.

And the article goes on to talk at length about a company who offer to find you a suitable sitter. But in my opinion the headline is very misleading!  (Or to use today’s language it is FAKE NEWS.)

Yes registration is indeed free BUT the article continues by saying that once a suitable sitter is found you will have to pay the agency for their services. This is not free and I find the cost expensive. According to the article  someone with two pets could pay £772.80 (approx $1500)  for a two-week stint

I believe that we offer a far better solution.

And our service is available worldwide.

With Christian House Sitters registration as a Home Owner needing a sitter is FREE

Once you have a suitable sitter they will come and look after your home and pets and this is once again FREE

Why pay £772 (approx $1000) for 2 weeks when we offer a Free alternative?

But what about security? All our sitters are members of a recognised Christian church, supply the details of their church leader/minister/ pastor and they will provide the owner with references from a church leader and at least one other person.

If you are thinking of a vacation and want someone to look after your home please visit our website and register as an owner.

Register as soon as you know your vacation dates, don’t leave it to the last-minute, as that way you will have a much better range of sitters to choose from.

If you want to be a sitter and to enjoy a rent-free vacation then we can also help.

Have a look at the website for the details. CLICK HERE

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

WordPress are adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

Crazy, funny, international laws

There is a lovely quote in Oliver Twist when Mr. Bumble, the unhappy spouse of a domineering wife, is told in court that “…the law supposes that your wife acts under your direction”, replies: “If the law supposes that,” said Mr. Bumble, squeezing his hat emphatically in both hands, “the law is a ass – a idiot”.

I enjoy finding old laws that are a bit odd or unusual.

With Christian House Sitters offering people rent-free accommodation all over the world may I suggest that you brush up on local laws before you travel.

Although to be honest most of the following are not enforced. I have gleaned them from a range of different sources.

Enjoy and laugh

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Tennessee, shooting at an animal from your car is forbidden, with one exception: it is not illegal to draw your weapon on a whale. Good luck finding one in that part of the world…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kansas. If two trains meet on the same track, neither shall proceed until the other has passed.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A law in Nevada forbids anyone from placing a park bench in the middle of the road.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In England dying is illegal in the Houses of Parliaments – This has been voted as the most ridiculous law by the British citizens.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A law in Alaska forbids motorists from driving around with a dog attached to the roof.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you’re taking a drive in South Berwick, Maine, it’s important to note that parking in front of a Dunkin Donuts is against the law.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Imagine you’re in Florida, and you fancy a ride on the back of an elephant. Well, don’t forget that you’re still required to pay for your parking.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It is Illegal to Wear a Bullet Proof Vest While Committing Murder in NJ. For those of you planning violent crimes in New Jersey, according to New Jersey statute 2C:39-13, a person has committed a crime if “he uses or wears a body vest while engaged in the commission of, or an attempt to commit, or flight after committing or attempting to commit murder, manslaughter, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, kidnapping, criminal escape or assault.” In other words, the vest could bump your offense from third to second degree.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Did you know that if you take your life into your hands getting behind the wheel in China, and more specifically in Beijing, you must under no circumstances stop for pedestrians? You could be arrested.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Missouri it is illegal to drive with an uncaged bear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Californian law forbids women from driving a car dressed in a bathrobe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Oklahoma, it is against the law to have a sleeping donkey in your bathtub after 7pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

In Ohio, you can be fined if you’re caught going around a traffic circle more than 100 times.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you fancy a Sunday drive around Denver, Colorado? If you’re unlucky enough to own a black car, you’ll have to go on foot. Driving in a black vehicle on Sundays is not permitted.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Are you planning some time away?

Would you like rent-free accommodation?

Would you like someone to look after your home and pets while you are away. Free of charge.

Have a look at our website. www.christian-housesitters.com

If you have any other questions that are not answered on the website please use the contact page and I will do my best to answer you promptly.

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

WordPress are adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation

Better than the best. Keep safe.

I had a few minutes to spare so decided to Google “leaving house empty while on holiday” and I was astounded at the number of hits. As you can see it turned up 85 million articles so I feel sure this is an important topic.

I naturally did not read them all.

I looked through a selection from the first page of Google hits and found a common theme.

The Good Housekeeping website nicely surmised the problem:

Over 80% of burglaries occur when a house is empty, so try to make your house look occupied when you’re out and when you’re away on holiday.

I knew the amount of burglaries was high but over 80% surprised even me.

I then looked at the statistics

UK Statistics
In the UK The Office for National Statistics figures on recorded crime show that there were 392,341 burglaries in 2014-15, while Home Office data shows only 54,466 arrests were made for burglary.

Remember 80% take place while homes are unoccupied. If a house is burgled looking at the official statistics there is a 1 in 14 chance the person will even be arrested.

So the chance of recovering your lost property is very low indeed.

USA Statistics
Here it is even worse according to the FBI there were an estimated 8,277,829 property crimes reported by law enforcement. Financial losses suffered by victims of these crimes were calculated at approximately $14.3 billion.

Just looking at those figures is enough to give anyone pause for thought.

The various sites then suggest all the normal things such as arranging for your mail to be diverted, putting your lights on a time switch, not telling people on social media that you are away, etc.

But the best advice came from Home & Garden who said.
The best way to make sure your house is safe while you’re gone is to have someone you trust still living in it. You may be lucky enough to have a tidy and conscientious relative who’ll move in temporarily and water the plants, feed the pets and pick up the newspapers. If not, there are services you can use for house-sitting and pet-sitting while you’re away. This can be a pricey option, but it’s a solution that touches all the bases.

But we can offer you something even better!

Our service to Home Owners all over the world is FREE. Note Home and Garden said this is the pricey option but still the best.

Well we have removed the cost. You pay nothing to register, you pay nothing for a sitter. It is free!

Your risk of burglary drops by 80%
Your pets are looked after in their own home environment.
Your pot plants are watered.
And you end up blessing another family.

To find out more why not visit our website. CLICK HERE

If you have any other questions that are not answered on the website please use the contact page and I will do my best to answer you promptly.

God bless you,

Ray

We are part of the registered charity

TLC Children’s Trust

UK Charity number 1156786

www.tlc-childrenstrust.org

WordPress are adding adverts to blogs. They are not always shown but if there are adverts on this page please note they were not placed by me, not approved by me and do not imply my recommendation