Plus, watch out for this dangerous app, three quick computer tricks, why vintage video games are making a comeback, the richest dog in the world and a weird new way to make money.
My home was broken into. What am I supposed to do now?'
Each year in the U.S., there are an estimated 2.5 million burglaries. If this has happened to you, you know the fear and anxiety you feel after a break-in.
What should you do in the moments after discovering your home has been broken into or hearing someone come in? Knowing the steps to take in a moment of fear is hard, so it’s important to have a solid plan. If it never does, great news. If it does, you’re a little more prepared.
Let’s dive into what you can do with the help of our sponsor, SimpliSafe.
Here are the steps to take
Leave immediately if you get home and believe someone has burglarized your property. You can’t be sure the home is empty and shouldn’t take chances.
Be sure not to touch anything, and call 911 right away. Go somewhere safe, like a neighbor’s house or lock yourself in your car. Look around for anything suspicious, like a car you don’t recognize or anyone on foot. Take note so you can give this information to the police.
Once the police arrive, it’s time to assess what was taken and any damage. Check for missing electronics, jewelry, medications, collectibles and other valuables. If you have footage of the break-in from home security cameras, great. The police may use this to find the suspects, and you can use it to see what was taken.
After that, it’s time to contact your insurance company and bank. You need to start the process of reporting what was stolen. Your bank can help lock down your accounts in case cards, checks or bills with your account information were taken. You can also freeze your credit.
What if you are home during the break-in? SimpliSafe says the first 30 seconds are crucial. Don’t make any sound; get up and lock the door of the room you’re in. Listen closely, and call 911 immediately. From there, you can try to leave out a window or down a fire escape or stay put. If you leave the room, find your car keys and press the panic button. This could scare the intruder(s) into leaving.
For more steps to take, head to SimpliSafe’s blog.
Protect yourself from future break-ins
When you sign up for SimpliSafe, you’re getting defense against all the curveballs life throws at you. You’ll get protection from any threat, from natural disasters to burglars or violent criminals. SimpliSafe even has a panic button to trigger medical alerts.
Security camera warning: This brand is missing a key privacy feature
There are plenty of reasons to install a video doorbell at your home. The most significant benefit for many is seeing who walks to the front door. Tap or click for a handy product that solves the Ring doorbell’s biggest problem.
Turning off alerts from your video doorbell is a mistake: Instead, set up custom motion zones. On a Ring doorbell, open the Ring app and select your device. Go to Motion Settings > Edit Motion Settings. To go into full don’t-bug-me mode, choose People Only.
Protect your video doorbell
Smartphone thieves listen to steal drums: Police are warning about a rise in expensive cellphone thefts from front porches. Don’t be next: Track your package closely and request a signature upon delivery. If you’re not home, send it somewhere else, get a video doorbell, post a “You’re being recorded” sign or install a porch lockbox.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
Which company was rejected on “Shark Tank” but later sold for $1 billion? Was it … A.) Scrub Daddy, B.) Ring, C.) Fitbit or D.) Roomba?
7 clever uses for your smart doorbell camera
Smart doorbell cameras add a ton of value to your life. Not only do they make you feel more secure in your home, but they can deter criminals, too. If you let a burglar know you’re watching them, they may be too spooked to try anything.
Have a Ring doorbell? Soon you’ll have to pay for these features
A video doorbell is an excellent option to see who is at your door without getting off the couch or if you aren’t home. A popular choice is Amazon’s Ring. Tap or click here to see what Amazon knows about you when you use a Ring doorbell.
🌞 Smile for the camera: The sweet spot to mount your video doorbell is 48 inches from the ground. Most doorbell cams have a wide scope, so you don’t need to put them any higher. If you do, you might get notifications every time the sun crosses your porch.
💲 If you put a Ring on it: Ring’s raised its Basic video doorbell subscription costs from $3.99 to $4.99 a month. Always something, huh? More than ever, getting SimpliSafeto protect your whole home is a smarter and cheaper choice.
💲 If you put a Ring on it: Ring’s raised its Basic video doorbell subscription costs from $3.99 to $4.99 a month. Always something, huh? More than ever, getting SimpliSafe to protect your whole home is a smarter and cheaper choice.
This handy product solves the Ring doorbell's biggest problem
Did you know that a video doorbell can deter up to 50% of crime on your property? Wireless Ring doorbells are one of the market’s most popular, easy-to-install security items. But these battery-powered models need to be charged to do their jobs.
How to upgrade to a video doorbell without wiring it
Video doorbells are one of the best investments you can make for home security. It’s been shown they can deter up to 43% of criminals from actually causing problems. Tap or click for seven clever new uses for your smart doorbell camera.
Annoyed by your video doorbell's notification? Check this setting now
A video doorbell is a great tool to see who’s at your door. When it rings, you don’t even have to get off the couch as you can easily open your mobile phone and take a look at the camera. It also keeps an eye on your porch, helping you keep tabs on packages and visitors.
What if your Ring records your neighbor — and he objects?
Do you have a Ring video doorbell? Your neighbors might say you’re invading their privacy. Here’s what you should do, in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Security how-to: Clever way to protect your packages from porch pirates
If you’ve never had a package stolen off your porch, consider yourself lucky. According to Security.org, nearly 49 million Americans have had this unfortunate experience within the past year alone.
Most people can’t stand guard 24/7, so Amazon built a package-protecting feature into its lauded Ring doorbell line of home security devices. Tap or click here for ways to extend your video doorbell’s battery life.
Use tech to have the spookiest house on the block this Halloween
Spooky season is well underway and you should be expecting some trick-or-treaters soon. Before you get the candy ready, take some time to ramp up your security.
Vandalism and property damage are more common during the holiday season. Whether you’re home or away, you’ll want to keep an eye on things. A video doorbell is a simple way to secure your home. Tap or click here for my favorite video doorbell to keep an eye on what’s happening out front.
Best video doorbells: 5 options for keeping an eye on the porch
A video doorbell can make you feel safe when you’re away from home. Keep an eye on when the kids get home, when packages are delivered or whether any of your neighbors are porch pirates.
But not all video doorbells are made equal. Some are better at night vision, while others provide higher-quality daytime recordings. Tap or click for secret uses for your home security system.
Does a Ring doorbell violate someone's right to privacy?
A British judge ruled that a Ring video doorbell violates the privacy of others. Here’s my take on whether that would hold up here in the U.S., in 60 seconds.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices