[redwitch]

I watch homes in various neighborhoods from the historic to the new developments. Some of the homes have deadbolts. Most do not. None have an alarm system. The reality is that if someone wants to break into a snowbird's home, it is easy to do unless fully alarmed -- too many windows and sliding glass doors that can be broken into. However, it is risky because you never know what neighbors will be home or when a car will come driving by. Break-ins are rare in TV. They seem to happen more to residents than snowbirds and the majority of the time is going after jewelry and purses.

Home watchers really can't prevent break ins. The best we can do is let you know they happened. I know that I go at a different time and day every week so that at least if someone is watching the house to break in, they won't be quite sure when it is safe. What home watch can do is stop a small leak from becoming something of major damage; make your insurance company happy that your home is being protected while unused; give you peace of mind that all is secure and well taken care of. It is money well spent.