When the cats away...

​When you’re excited about vacation, it’s easy to forget about what you’re leaving behind. That is, until you get to the airport and wonder: Did I lock the door? Is the iron on? Is the garage door open? Secure your home before you leave so you can travel with maximum confidence and peace of mind. Not surprisingly, burglaries spike in July and August because these are popular vacation months.

These home security tips for when you’re on vacation will help ensure that you won’t return to any unpleasant surprises.

Target Your Home As a Burglar

How would you get into your home? Evaluate your home from the inside and out, night and day. You might even try a “mock” break-in, trying window jambs and loose locks on your house’s perimeter. Just let the neighbors know what you’re up to before you go lurking in the bushes.
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If you failed your test, here are a few thoughts to harden your residence against burglars.

1. Lock the doors and windows
   Locking up might seem too obvious to mention, but an estimated 32% of burglars enter through unlocked doors. Windows are also weak points, so keep them closed and locked, even on the upper floors. A clever burglar can still access them, and an open window anywhere in the house might let in animals, rain or wind.
   
   
2. Clear out the mailbox
   Mail piling up is a tip-off that no one’s home. Have a trusted neighbor, friend or house-sitter collect your mail and keep it safely out of sight. Alternatively, you can request a temporary mail hold or mail forwarding through USPS.com. If you subscribe to any newspapers or subscription boxes, pause your delivery. Again, you don't want to easily clue in a burglar to your absence by the mounting newspapers on your doorstep.
   
   
3. Use lights to create the illusion that someone’s home
   Darkness is another trademark of an empty house — it also allows thieves to sneak in undetected. Nix that vulnerability by leaving a few lights on. Better yet, use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders, or opt for smart lighting so you can set the lights to a timer and control them remotely.
   
   
4. Keep the yard maintained
   Make sure all shrubs and trees are trimmed back so they do not allow a burglar to conceal himself while attempting to open a window or door. If possible, plant bushes with prickly thorns around these locations. They are a cheap deterrent. Also, gravel is a good ground cover under windows because it is noisy underfoot should someone walk on it.Unless you have an extremely low-care yard, the lawn or garden will definitely need attention if you’re gone long enough. Ask a neighbor or hire temporary help. If you live in a wintry climate, consider snow removal as well.
   
   
5. Leave a car in the driveway
   Former burglars have reported that a vehicle in the driveway is a major deterrent in scoping out potential targets, because it almost always means that someone is home. Leave your (locked) car where people can see it, or see if a neighbor wants to park there.
   
   
6. Hide or lock up valuables
   Easy-to-grab expensive items are extremely alluring to criminals. Conceal and secure the high-value items in both your home and garage. Lock up the most important things in a household safe. Remember  physical goods thieves are looking to steal — they also want to steal your identity. Lock up social security cards, financial information and any personal identification that you’re not bringing with you.
   
   
7. Don’t broadcast your plans online
   But how will Aunt Suzie know what we're doing on vacation...it doesn't matter. Never broadcast your location on social media (and make sure your kids don’t either). Even if you think that it's only your friends or colleagues viewing your online profiles, it's safest not to leave any sort of opening for a possible burglar.  By sharing travel plans, you’re advertising that your house will be empty. You can never be completely sure who sees that information, especially
   if you have many followers or a public profile.
   
   
8. Get your security system ready
   If you have a home security system or security cameras, make them obvious to potential intruders. Cameras should be conspicuous so they can see and be seen. Post home security signs and decals prominently. If you don’t have a system, fake signs might be better than nothing. Also, make sure the security system and any automated devices you have are programmed correctly for your absence. If you have a professionally monitored system, inform the company that you’re going away. Make sure cameras, smoke detectors and any other components are on and in good working order, and that your smart home devices are programmed appropriately.
   
   
9. Adjust the thermostat
   Adjust the thermostat to prevent the HVAC system from needlessly heating or cooling empty rooms. Programmable smart thermostats make this a lot easier, and you can remotely adjust them to comfortable temperatures for when you get back.
   
   
10. Don't leave spare keys outdoors. 
    
11. Collect any hidden spare keys from around the exterior of your home. Remember, burglars know the most popular hiding places, like beneath mats and in potted plants.