Security is a top concern for homeowners, but it’s even more important to luxury property owners. The value of these luxury properties, not to mention the treasures they contain, makes them prime targets for theft and a range of other crimes. Fortunately, there are various ways you can protect your luxury home from these external threats, from surveillance systems to smart locks to the overseeing eye of a property management firm.
In this post, we will explore the many security measures you can implement to protect your luxury investment. A secure home can provide you with peace of mind, allowing you to live on your property without worry for years to come. After all, your luxury property is more than just a place where you turn in for the day. It should be a safe abode where you can relax, unwind, and enjoy the finer things in life.
Invest in a Video Surveillance System
What do thieves hate the most? Visibility. One of the best ways to lower the risk of break-ins is by investing in video surveillance. In most cases, the presence of cameras around the property is enough to scare off potential criminals, as it shows them that the property is being monitored at all times.
But while it may be tempting to install dummy cameras, do note that it’s better to invest in real ones instead. In case of a break-in, a surveillance system will capture the criminals in the act, giving the authorities what they need to identify them.
Some security cameras can even provide real-time monitoring and send you alerts on your smartphone in case they detect unusual activity on your property. For example, if no one’s supposed to be home between 10 AM and 5 PM but your security system says otherwise, it can automatically alert you and call the police.
Install Smart Locks
Compared to traditional locks—which use a deadbolt and a key—smart locks are more secure as they allow for keyless entry. Rather than carrying around keys—which is riskier, as there’s always a chance your keys will get lost or stolen—you can simply use an app on your smartphone, type your pin into the keypad, or use your fingerprint to gain access to your property.
Furthermore, smart locks also allow you to monitor your main door remotely. You can receive real-time notifications when someone enters or exits your property, plus you can even lock/unlock the door even if you’re far away. This can give you greater peace of mind, especially if you’re often out for extended periods of time.
Secure Doors and Windows
Thieves are constantly on the lookout for vulnerable parts of your property that they can use to enter, such as unlocked doors and windows. But even if you lock your doors and windows, note that this isn’t a guarantee your home will be burglary-free. Weak doors and windows can easily be broken into, allowing burglars to gain access to your high-end home and steal your belongings.
One easy way to improve your property’s security is to fortify all of the entry points. This can include replacing your windowed doors with solid, wooden doors, as well as adding a security film to strengthen the window’s glass. You could also get a glass break sensor—this is a device that alerts you when it detects vibrations (a sign of a break-in) on the window’s glass. When your home is harder to break into, burglars are more likely not to bother at the risk of being caught.
A company that provides high-end home management services can assist you in strengthening your property’s doors and windows. They have a vast network of reputable vendors whom they can entrust to install locks, frames, security films, shatter-proof glass, window bars, etc.
Fortify Your Fence
One of the best ways to ward off would-be burglars is by fortifying your fence. Here’s how:
- Build a durable fence. Strong materials such as wood, wrought iron, and brick can withstand break-ins, or at the minimum, make it more challenging for criminals to gain entry into your home.
- Install motion-sensing lights. Motion-sensing lights can scare away would-be-burglars by blinding them with light when they get too close.
- Consider an anti-climb fence. This fence comes with spikes, barbed wires, or closely spaced bars that make it virtually impossible for thieves to scale it without badly injuring themselves.
If you’re concerned about how your fence will look after you’ve fortified it, consider consulting the professionals. A luxury home management company, for example, can offer expert solutions that do not detract from your home’s aesthetics.
Improve Outdoor Lighting
There’s a reason why break-ins tend to occur after the sun has set—thieves are counting on the darkness to conceal their criminal activities. For this reason, it’s important to illuminate your property’s outdoor areas, especially if your lawn has plenty of tall plants that provide intruders with cover. A well-lit exterior can make it impossible for burglars to gain access to your home without being seen by your neighbors.
However, do check with your homeowners’ association (HOA) regarding the type, color, and intensity of outdoor lighting you’re allowed to install. If your outdoor lights are too bright or are improperly positioned (e.g. they point directly into your neighbor’s windows), they may be a nuisance to others.
Avoid Flaunting Your Valuables
As a luxury homeowner, you likely own luxurious items that thieves would love to get their hands on. For that reason, never store your valuables where thieves can easily see them, such as in front of a window. Instead, store your valuables in a vault or safe so thieves won’t know what kind of treasures you have. Ensure that the vault or safe is in a secure room, away from vulnerable areas like windows—that way, in case burglars do get in, they won’t be able to just grab your valuables and go.
Protect Your Luxury Investment With a Property Management Company
Securing your high-end home is a crucial aspect of protecting your luxury investment. So, for our last tip, consider hiring the pros to look after your property for you.
Luxury Property Care, a home management firm in South Florida, can help you take the necessary steps to make your home more secure. We’ll implement all the steps above (and more!), as well as provide you with in-person surveillance perfect for absentee homeowners. When you choose us, you’ll be assigned to a dedicated property manager who’ll visit your home while you’re away—their presence alone is enough to ward off any thieves!
Don’t leave the safety of your high-end home to chance. Contact us today at (561) 944 – 2992 or complete our contact form for more information on how we can help you with home security.