WHEN you leave for your travels not only do you have to ensure your own personal safety but you also have to make sure that your home does not become a target for criminals.
Keep in mind that
Most burglars look for
-- Something worth stealing!
-- Easy access combined with low visibility!
-- A home that is unoccupied!
Whether you are taking a weekend get-away or going away for the entire summer, you would want to defend your home and possessions from burglars. There are certainly some easy things you can do to minimize the risk of a burglary.
Never leave notes on your door that can tip off burglars.
Have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
During an extended vacation, make arrangements to have someone mow your lawn or trim your bushes.
Leave lights on automatic timers, if possible.
Notify your local police department that you will be away.
Ask a neighbor or friend to stop by your house periodically;
Have them open and close blinds and turn on different lights.
Let your neighbors know when you are leaving and when you plan to return home and if you are expecting anybody at your house while you are away!
Burglars want easy access to your home. Make sure all trees and shrubs are trimmed near all doors and windows where intruders might hide. Add exterior lights and consider lights that are activated by motion sensors.
Burglars like to work quickly, so try to slow down their path into and around the house.
You can accomplish this with:
deadbolt locks
window locks
bars placed in the tracks or track locks on all sliding glass
doors and windows (if they would not impede your escape in
an emergency)
locks on all doors and windows including
Front Door
Rear Door
Garage Door(s)
Service Door(s)
Patio Door
Sliding Glass Door
Gate
Swimming Pool Gate
Guest House Door
Don't place the fact you are gone on your telephone answering machine. If possible, have your telephone calls forwarded when you are away from home.
Burglars sometimes check to see if someone is home by making a telephone call.
Don't hide your keys on your property.
A nosy neighbor is a burglar's worst enemy.
Get to know your neighbors and work out an arrangement to watch each other's houses. Let them know when you will be gone and whether any deliveries are expected during your absence.
Store jewelry and other valuables in a safe hiding place, such as a safety deposit box.
Go through each room and write down a list of possessions, including serial numbers.
Take pictures of your valuables and keep them in a safe place or with a friend or relative. This will help in the event of a burglary.
Don't post your travel plans on Facebook or Instagram. At least not in public posts!