It’s great to get away for a while, but a vacation may be interrupted if you’re worried about the security of your home. It’s a known fact that most burglars look for easy targets that appear to be empty. They select homes that they can easily slip in and out of with a minimal chance of being noticed. So, the best way to protect your home while on vacation is to make it appear as though it is currently occupied. You can achieve this guise with the following tips.
- It may sound obvious, but lock up the doors and windows before leaving. Many home thefts are crimes of opportunity, so don’t make it that simple. If you have a home alarm system, be sure to set that as well.
- Avoid hiding a spare key outdoors, such as under a doormat or in a planter. These spots are too obvious. If someone is checking on your home for you, simply give them a key before you leave.
- Ensure that the mail is not collecting in your mailbox. You can call the post office to stop mail delivery while you’ll be away, or you can arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to collect the mail on your behalf.
- Walk around your home and peer in through the windows. Are any valuables in sight? You may want to consider moving them. This also applies to car keys kept in plain sight since thieves have been known to break into homes, swipe the keys and steal the car.
- Buy a few timers and set your lights to turn on and off throughout the day to create the illusion of someone being home. If you have enough timers, you can also put one on a radio or TV.
- If you regularly mow your lawn, make sure that appearance is maintained. Mow before leaving and hire a service to mow while you’re away if you’re going on a longer trip.
While these tips minimize the chances of a break in, the risk cannot be completely eliminated. If an incident should occur, whether you’re in town or on vacation, your independent insurance agent can help you through the claims process.
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