A reader has asked me to elaborate on the wisdom of leaving the home's porch light on. We've all probably heard good sounding advice both ways, but is there a simple answer? Well lit areas deter loitering and therefore crimes of opportunity.
But doesn't your porch light advertise the fact that you're not home? Yes, this is true as well.
Generally speaking, leaving your car in a well lit area lowers the risks of both vandalism and car theft. Well lit and in a well travelled area reduces your risk for car-jacking and abduction. But just as easily as your porch light, your vehicle parking habits tell a would-be intruder whether you're home also.
If you'd like to come home to a well lit house, there are options!
* Purchase an LED bulb to save power and leave the porch light on constantly.
* Reduce costs more and annoy your neighbors less with motion-sensing floodlights.
If you're more interested in the crime deterrence while away...
* Use home automation (just like the programmable thermostat, you can remotely control your outside lights from a smartphone).
* Put timers on your lights and randomize the schedule.
* Get a house-sitter (nothing mimics activity quite like the good old fashioned way).
Lastly, make use of existing lights. If you're on a street with adequate lighting, don't mess it up by planting shrubs along the house (stalker hiding places). Have clear line-of-sight from where you park the car to the front door.
If you have to worry about someone watching for your vehicle habits, lighting choices become irrelevant. Invest in a home alarm system to protect your valuables and make sure you have good personal property insurance.
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