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The first set of tips provides ways to create the illusion that your house is not unoccupied. The goal is to make potential burglars think someone is home, which may prevent them from breaking in. Obviously, a deserted home is more likely to be broken into than one that appears to be occupied.
- Outdoor lighting can be set to timers, daylight detectors, or motion sensors. It's also important to use these types of devices inside, as well. Timers can be employed to activate lights, TVs and other appliances. Lastly, it's crucial to home security to keep all possible entry points lit, such as the garage, doors, and windows.
- Limit your telephone answering machine to no more than five rings. A telephone that rings for a long period of time typically indicates that a home is empty. Also, don't say on your outgoing message that you are going to be away on vacation. You might as well just put a "rob me" sign on your home, if you do that.
- Have any and all regular deliveries to your home, such as newspapers or mail, canceled. Notify each and every service, given that they will be used to vacation requests. The only exception is in the case that you have someone that will reliably pick these items up each day.
- If you are going to be away for an extended vacation - more than a week or so - you should arrange to have your walkway shoveled in the event of snow or your grass to be mowed in the summertime.
- If you have more than one car, leave one outside of the garage in the driveway. If not, ask a neighbor to periodically park his or her car there.
There are also some general home security tips that should be followed any time that you leave for vacation. While some may seem quite obvious, it's always good to have security checklist in place. Better safe than sorry.
- Don't hide spare keys in mailboxes or under door mats - the most common places that burglars look. Your spare key should only be left with a trusted neighbor.
- All doors and windows should be locked. This one should go without saying, but make sure to go around the house to ensure that they are all latched before leaving on your trip.
- Don't forget to arm your home security system and notify the central monitoring center to contact you by cell phone or through a neighbor.
- Lastly, you don't want to leave any valuables in the home, if possible. Place them in a heavy-duty safe or safe deposit box. You can also transfer them from your home to that of a family member, friend or neighbor.
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