Protecting Your Home While You’re on Vacation

So, you’re going on vacation! How exciting! Before the fun starts, you’d better make sure your house is locked up tight and protected from home invaders and burglars. We know what you’re thinking… how can you possibly protect your home when you’re not there? Here is how…

Lights and Music – Burglars don’t just pick a home at random — well, most of them don’t. Usually, they case a house for a few days, and if it stays dark long enough, they’ll assume that the owners are out of town. To trick burglars into thinking that you haven’t left town, set various lights to timers so that they’ll turn on at random intervals during at night. Also, set a stereo or the TV to turn on at random times, as well. Even if the burglar is sure that you’re not home, they probably second guess themselves.

Shades and Blinds – Some people like to clean up before they leave; nothing is better than coming back to a clean house. When it comes to blinds and shades, don’t be tempted to pull them back or close them before you leave; simply leave them in the position they are always in. Putting blinds and curtains in a different position could alert a burglar that you are planning on being away for an extended period of time.

Lawn Maintenance – If you have someone take care of your lawn, garden, or hedges, don’t cancel the service while you’re away. Doing so is a sure sign that you’re out of town, and if the burglar doesn’t notice that the lawn guy didn’t come, he’ll sure notice that the lawn needs a trim.

Pick up the Mail – Make sure you have a local friend, relative, or neighbor pick up your mail, newspapers, magazines, or anything else that could showcase the fact that you’re not home. Trust us: Piles of newspapers on the front porch are a sure sign of an empty house. If you can’t get a friend to grab the mail for you, cancel your newspaper subscriptions and ask the post office to hold your mail for you.

Lock your Windows – They may not be locked all the time, so make sure you lock all of your windows before you leave. If the locks are broken, make a point to replace them before you leave, or wedge something in the window track to keep someone from opening it from the outside.