Summer is a season for vacations, long weekends, and time away from home, but it’s also a time when residential break-ins tend to become more common. Empty houses, predictable travel schedules, and unattended properties can create opportunities for thieves looking for an easy target.
Whether you’re preparing for a summer getaway or simply want to better protect your home, taking a few preventative steps can go a long way. In Minnesota, burglary is a serious criminal offense that can result in significant penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Before you head out on your next adventure, review these simple home security tips and learn why a break-in is never worth the risk.
Tips to Help Protect Your Home This Summer
Don’t Announce Your Vacation on Social Media
Sharing photos from the beach or your road trip can be fun, but posting while you’re still away lets others know your home may be unoccupied. Consider waiting until you return home before sharing your vacation memories.
Make It Look Like Someone’s Home
A house that appears occupied is much less appealing to potential burglars.
Before leaving:
- Put lights on timers.
- Ask a neighbor to collect your mail and packages.
- Arrange for lawn care if you’ll be gone for more than a few days.
- Have someone park in your driveway if possible.
Lock Every Entry Point
Double-check all doors, windows, garage doors, and basement entrances before heading out. Many residential burglaries happen because someone found an unlocked door or window.
Install Security Cameras or Motion Lights
Visible security cameras, video doorbells, and motion-activated lighting can discourage criminal activity while giving you greater peace of mind. Many systems also allow you to monitor your home remotely from your smartphone.
Store Valuables Securely
Keep jewelry, cash, firearms, important documents, and other valuables in a secure safe whenever possible. It’s also a good idea to document valuable belongings with photos and serial numbers for insurance purposes.
What Happens If Someone Is Caught Breaking Into a Home?
In Minnesota, breaking into a home, garage, business, or other building can result in burglary charges, even if nothing is ultimately stolen.
Depending on the circumstances, a person may face charges related to:
- Burglary
- Trespassing
- Theft
- Criminal damage to property
- Possession of burglary or theft tools
- Assault, if someone is injured during the incident
The exact charges depend on factors such as whether the building was occupied, whether weapons were involved, whether force was used, and whether property was taken or damaged. The consequences for these crimes can carry serious penalties, including jail or prison time, fines, probation, restitution, and a permanent criminal record.
Beyond the legal penalties, a criminal conviction can affect employment opportunities, professional licensing, housing applications, educational opportunities, and future background checks for years to come.
AAA Bail Bonds is Here to Help
This summer, a few simple precautions can help protect your home, and understanding the serious consequences of burglary serves as a reminder that one poor decision can have lasting effects. If you or a loved one is arrested on burglary or other criminal charges, it’s important to understand the legal process and address the situation as quickly as possible.
If you or your loved one have been arrested for a break-in or for any other charges, AAA Bail Bonds is available day and night to help families throughout Minnesota navigate the bail process with professionalism, discretion, and compassion. We’ll help explain your options and work to get your loved one home while awaiting their court date. We hope you’ll never find yourself in need of our services, but if you do contact us at 612-900-3400.
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Beware of Bail Scams!
A growing and highly deceptive scam is impacting families across Minnesota, with criminals impersonating bail bond agents, law enforcement, and court officials in an effort to steal money from unsuspecting victims. These scams are increasingly sophisticated, often using real jail records and targeting vulnerable individuals, especially the elderly.
AAA Bail Bonds has been doing our part to spread the word and keep you from becoming a victim. This month, we’re sharing next steps if you’ve already paid a bail scammer.
What to Do If You Already Paid a Bail Scammer
If you have already sent money to a suspected bail scammer, act quickly. Contact your bank, credit card company, payment app, wire-transfer provider, or gift card issuer immediately and ask whether the transaction can be stopped or reversed. Save all receipts, phone numbers, text messages, emails, payment details, and voicemails, then report the incident to local law enforcement, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. You can also report impersonation scams to the FBI, especially when the caller claimed to represent law enforcement or another government agency.
Most importantly, do not feel embarrassed. Bail scammers rely on fear, urgency, and concern for a loved one to pressure people into acting before they can verify the story. Stop communicating with the caller, do not send additional money, and contact the jail or a reputable bail bond company directly using a verified phone number. AAA Bail Bonds can help you confirm whether a person is actually in custody and explain how the legitimate Minnesota bail process works. To learn more about bail scams, click here.
