Five Ways to Work With Neighbors on a Home Security Plan

Ever since Moses received the ten essential guidelines for humanity, thousands of years ago, the role of thy neighbor has been firmly established in society. Whether or not you consider yourself a "people person," ignoring or shunning your neighbors is a terrible idea. Maybe the biggest help one can provide is concerning home security. Here are five ways you should work with your neighbors to make safety the top priority.

1. Establish a relationship which is beneficial to all. You've just moved in. You're receiving the deliveries that will get your family going in your new home. Consider it a golden opportunity to meet the neighbors. Everyone can tell that there's a new family on the block. Introduce yourself as soon as possible. You could be replacing a favorite family around town, or in some cases an unfriendly neighbor. Either way, time is of the essence, before people can peg you as one or the other.

2. Get to know each other's family and friends. If you have a very close-knit neighborhood with a relatively small amount of outside traffic, chances are the people you'll see the most are the friends and family of your neighbors. Try and introduce yourself whenever you get a chance. Accept invitations to parties next-door, knowing it can give you an added level of home security. If you recognize the person hanging around outside your neighbor's home, it will ease your mind.

3. Back each other up on vacations. Your family is bound to be away from home at one time or another and the same goes for your neighbors. Offer to pick up the mail and water the plants while they're gone. Such a gesture will be greatly appreciated, and the favor will surely be returned when your time comes. You will avoid the pile-up of mail and overgrown grass that occurs when people are away, which screams "Empty!" to anyone who cares to notice.

4. Organize a neighborhood watch if one does not already exist. Police departments and crime statistics all point to neighborhood watches being an essential factor in any home security plan. Once you have settled on a home, join up. If there is none in place, talk to the police department about how to set one up.

5. Be the first responder in case a home alarm system sounds. Burglaries occur most often when families are away from their home. You need someone to cover you. Team up with a neighbor and give them the protocol for when your home alarm system sounds. Do they need to confirm for your security company that the police are needed? If so, you and your neighbor will need each other when it matters the most.

A good neighbor will become a good friend over time, especially when you realize how important you are to one another. Make sure your home security system is up-to-date, along with your relationship. At the end of the day, there is no substitute for a great home security system.