Neighborhood friendships and home security

Three reasons neighborhood friendships strengthen home security

Seeking out a group of friendly neighbors can go a long way toward improving your home's security. Not only can neighbors watch out for each other's homes and property, but they can also help keep a home from appearing obviously vacant during vacations or other prolonged absences. Here are three reasons why having a mutual rapport between neighbors strengthens home security.

1. Neighbors can watch out for each other's homes and property.

Neighbors who share a friendly bond are more likely to watch out for each other's homes and property. If something's amiss in or around your home, watchful neighbors can alert you or the police about the situation to help bring it under control. If there's interest, consider starting up a formal neighborhood watch program. Such programs have been known to strengthen home security in tight communities.

2. Neighbors can help keep your home from appearing obviously vacant.

If you'll be away for an extended period, your neighbors can help maintain your home's security during your absence. Be sure to alert your neighbors about your upcoming trip and ask one to collect your mail until you return. Having a neighbor collect your mail keeps it from piling up outside, preventing your home from appearing vacant to passersby. Beyond simple mail collection, helpful neighbors may also be able to complete certain season-dependent tasks, like mowing the lawn or shoveling the driveway, which too can help keep your home from appearing obviously vacant.

3. Neighbors can deal with minor security issues that arise while you are away.

Consider swapping your house keys with a trusted neighbor so they can help you remedy any minor security issues that arise while you are away. Ever forgotten to lock your door before heading to work? How about leaving a window open before embarking on a family vacation? A neighbor with a key can easily solve issues such as these if you notify said neighbor about your predicament.

There are many ways that neighborhood friendships can strengthen home security. Whether this means creating a formal neighborhood watch program or simply helping each other stay on top of things during times of absence is up to you and your neighbors. Whichever way you choose to go about it, it's nice to know that by initiating community friendships, you can strengthen your home's security while making your neighborhood a safer place to live.