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When you're away
When you go on vacation there are a few things that you can do to help secure your house and make it less of a target for burglars:
- Use timers on lights, radios, and/or TVs, to make them go on and off during the day and night to make your home appear occupied.
- Leave blinds open in their usual position.
- Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.
- Stop mail and newspaper delivery, and have a neighbor or friend pick up anything left at the home (like those "throw-away" newspapers and circulars).
- Leave your itinerary with a neighbor so you can be contacted in an emergency.
- Ask the neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activities.
- Disconnect your electric garage door opener and padlock the door, preferably on the inside.
- Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter.
- Notify police and dependable neighbors as to when you plan to be away. Join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on each other’s home and watch what’s happening in your area—working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.
- Don’t go away and leave your front porch light on for the entire time. It’s a clear signal to burglars that no one is home. Have motion sensor lights installed. Do the same for your back yard lights and the garage.
- Lock your vehicles, even if they are being left in your garage (and remember to remove all your valuables from your vehicles).
- Make sure your side garage doors are locked and secured. Turn off your automatic door opener.