While You're Out to Play, Keep Thieves Away

05-29-2013

 

Thieves can prey on your home at any time, but a key striking time for them is when you're away on a vacation. The reasoning for this is simple — they won't have an issue getting caught, at least by the homeowner. Needless to say, a robbery can greatly take away from the enjoyment and R&R you should be experiencing on your vacation.

Here's a look: Preparing for your vacation shouldn't end with packing a suitcase and arranging transportation to the airport. No, you should also be notifying trusted individuals, such as a neighbor, of your holiday plans and asking them to keep an eye on your home while you're gone. There's nobody better than a good, watchful neighbor to guard against suspicious activity perhaps. Here are some other preventative measures to take:

• Hold your mail: If your mail builds up in your mailbox, it's a clear sign that you're not home. So contact the post office and put a temporary stop on your mail. 
• Set timers: Give off the illusion that someone is home, especially at night with the proper lighting.
• Call the police: Police departments often offer complimentary drive-bys while you're gone, so call ahead to notify them of your vacation plans to arrange this.
• Park in the driveway: Give the illusion that someone is home by also parking a car in the driveway.

Avoid Social Media

One of the biggest sources that thieves use to determine their targets is none other than Facebook. We know how tempting it is to post photos to the social media network while you're on vacation, but try to resist. If a burglar sees proof that you're away, your home becomes that much more vulnerable. If you just can't resist posting photos to your Facebook on your vacation, do yourself a favor first and make sure it's only either visible to a trusted list of your friends or that you're taking measures in advance to eliminate anyone you don't know from your friends list.

Family Members or Friends

You'd be surprised how much stress it might be able to save you. Also, call family members and friends to see if they can also stop by to make sure the house is kept up, especially if you're vacationing in the winter and need your driveway shoveled.

Leave a Low-Maintenance Pet

A snow-packed driveway can also be a dead giveaway that you're away if it's not cleared reasonably soon. It may even be worthwhile to leave a low-maintenance pet, like a cat or fish, at home while you're away so a family member, friend or neighbor has to stop by your home at least once a day to feed the pet.

Home Security Options

If you're still concerned about home security, not just while you're away on vacation but at all times, then consider purchasing a home security system, such as that from SecurityCompanies.com. These home security systems are the best way to guard against thieves as any detection of entry will automatically notify the authorities. They're the best way to keep you and your family safe, are affordable and won't stop working if you're away on vacation.

Photo by Flickr user cheesechoker

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