How to Protect Your Home from Burglars While You're on Vacation

Heading out on vacation? Don't come home from an extended absence to find that your house has been burglarized. Here's how to keep it safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Take a good look at your house from the street. Make sure no valuables (eg expensive electronics, artwork) are visible. If you can see your belongings, so can burglars.
2. Double check to make sure all doors and windows are locked. Deadbolt locks are always a good idea for doors. Don't forget to lock the garage, as well as the doorway to the garage.
3. Don't forget any sliding glass doors. Place a rod (or piece of plywood) in the floor track to better secure the door.
4. Make it look like someone's home — use timers on lights, radios and televisions. If possible, keep the outside of your home well-lit.
5. Don't leave clues that no one is home. Ask a neighbor to collect your newspapers, and empty your mailbox. Tell them they can park in your driveway, too, if that will add to the appearance of being at home. Keep some shades and blinds open, so your windows have a normal "at home" appearance.
6. DO NOT leave a message on your answering machine saying you won't be at home.
7. See the Resource links, directly below, for more tips on protecting your home.

Tips & Warnings

• Trim the shrubbery around the house to minimize hiding places.
• Participate in a community watch program to protect your neighborhood.
• You can't beat a home security system for pretty comprehensive protection. Just make sure it is activated when you're away.