As many of our readers report an influx of new tenants moving in this summer, we thought it would be a good idea to post some important safety tips for you to share with your new renters: 

1.)  Keep your personal items secret

It’s never a good idea to let passersby know what kind of expensive toys are kept inside your home. That’s why you shouldn’t just discard the box that a new TV box or laptop came in on the curb where everyone can see it. Cut up your boxes and/or hide them in opaque trash bags.

2.)  Don’t advertise when you’re on vacation

If you are traveling this summer, make sure to stop your mail and newspaper deliveries during the time you are away so they don’t pile up. This could alert thieves to the fact that you are away and entice them to break in.

3.)  Make sure the outside of your property is well lit

Don’t forget to replace exterior light bulbs (multifamily unit residients should report to landlord/property managers in a timely manner) and report street light outages to the city ASAP (include the phone number or website to do so in your area)

4.)  Lock up your belongings

The sun doesn’t set until after 8pm for most of the summer, so if you leave valuable items unsecured all around your yard for any length of time, the wrong person just might notice. And they could even help themselves. Make sure bicycles, yard tools, kids toys, and other items of worth are locked up in a shed or garage area