Simulating presence at home during your absence
A house that looks inhabited is rarely visited. How to make people believe you are there?
Recommended Materials
- Programmable plugs (mechanical or smart)
- Smart bulbs
- TV Simulator
Steps to follow
Step 1
Programmed lighting: Use programmable plugs (mechanical for €5 or WiFi connected) on living room, bedroom or hallway lamps. Program them to turn on in the evening (e.g. from 7:30 PM to 10:30 PM) and early in the morning. Smart plugs often have an 'Away' mode that turns on and off randomly so as not to create a detectable routine.
Step 2
The TV simulator: It is a small inexpensive LED box that projects changing and flickering lights (blue, white, red, intensity variations) on walls or curtains. Seen from outside, it perfectly mimics the flickering of a television on. To be programmed in the evening during prime time.
Step 3
Motorized shutters: If you have electric roller shutters, automate them (with modules behind the switches or a home automation box). A house whose shutters remain closed in broad daylight for 3 days screams 'I am empty!'. Program an opening in the morning and a closing in the evening.
Step 4
Sound presence: A radio plugged into a timer can create an illusion by broadcasting human voices (choose a talk station rather than continuous music).
Step 5
The mailbox: Ask a neighbor to collect the mail. An overflowing box is the #1 sign of a prolonged absence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leave the hallway light on all the time ?
No, it's suspicious and counterproductive. No one leaves the light on at 3am or in broad daylight. A permanent fixed light draws attention to the anomaly. You need movement and change (on/off cycles).
Precautions
- Use LED bulbs (consume little and do not heat up).
- Do not leave valuables visible through the lit window.
