Every year people leave on vacation only to return home and discover they've been robbed. How can you make your home less attractive to thieves while on vacation?
Discourage the thief: Since burglars prefer to break in to houses that look unoccupied, lower your home's appeal by making it look like you're there. Use timers on lights, radios and television. Ask neighbors to put trash cans out on trash day. Leave drapes and shades open on second floor windows. Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up; arrange for mail and newspaper delivery to stop or ask a friend to pick it up. If you plan to be on vacation for a week or longer ask a neighbor or friend to park their car in your driveway and to mow your lawn for you.
Step2
Prevent easy access: Make your home a more difficult target by increasing the time it takes a burglar to enter. Lock all doors and windows. Unplug your automatic garage door opener. This prevents thieves from buying replacement remotes and using them to open your garage door. Trim trees and hedges; this gives burglars fewer hiding places. Replace burned-out yard lights and flood lights, and consider upgrading with built-in motion detectors. Get rid of all hidden spare keys around your property. Thieves know all the tricks to hiding keys. If you or members of your family have problems forgetting your keys, leave spares with trusted neighbors.
Step3
Manage the risk: Make sure your neighbors know you are going on vacation; ask them to watch your house. Tell them how long you will be gone and the names or descriptions of anyone that may need access to your house. Leave a house key and a number where you can be reached, with a trusted individual. For extended vacations, consider a house sitter. It's also a good idea to notify the police when you will be away.
Step4
Detect an intruder: Investing in a home security system is a wise choice. Criminals are more likely to skip a house they know is protected with an alarm system as opposed to houses without them. Alarm systems not only add value to the property, they also often result in lower home insurance premiums. Make sure anyone that will need access to the home knows how to properly operate the system. False alarms drain police resources and can often result in a fine for the home owner.
Tips & Warnings
Do not be shy in asking your neighboors to help secure your home while you're away. Most will be happy to take on the responsibility. After all, they'll be expecting the same from you when they go away on vacation.
Novice 
