How to Burglarproof Your Home for a Long Trip Away

You don't want anyone to think no one's at your place while you're on an extended trip. Here are guidelines that follow the recommendations of the National Crime Prevention Council, the FBI and the Maryland Crime Watch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Home Alarm Systems
• Lighting Control System

1. Don't give away your absence by leaving messages on your door, on your mailbox or on your answering machine.

2. Call on one or more trusted neighbors to collect your mail and newspapers and to see that your lawn and shrubbery are kept up.

3. Have your neighbor park a car in front of your house or in your driveway occasionally.

4. Ask your neighbor to put a full garbage can in front of your house on garbage collection day.

5. Give your neighbor and the local police a number where you can be reached and let them know how long you'll be gone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't know your neighbors well, see whether a friend will come over to do these small chores.
• Even when no one's there, you can give the sense that someone's home by installing timers on several lights in your house and timing them to look as though someone's using a different room from time to time.

[stone24]

on 5/15/2009 http://www.ehow.com/how_5014086_prevent-intruder-entering-home.html

on 8/8/2006 Leaving shades closed all day gives the impression that no one is home. Consider installing tints.

on 11/22/2005 Home burglars fear outside lighting which gives them away and also barking dogs which alert the owners. Keep windows coverings (curtains, shades) closed. If burglars can look inside they can easily see you are not home. Homeowner's or renter's insurance; If you are burglarized, at least you'll get some compensation for your loss.

on 11/22/2005 Set the alarm timer (if you have one) on your television to go on and off as well. I set mine for nighttime, so people can see the "blue glow" in the room.

on 11/22/2005 You can also leave the radio on a timer. Noise will make an intruder think twice.