When leaving for vacation, take steps to secure your home while you are away.
Remove the thumbturn from your Captive Thumbturn
Deadbolt so that a thief can't break a window and unlock a door to get in your home.
Do not be overly communicative about your vacation
schedule or even your day-to-day schedule.
Do not tell people you aren't home on the outgoing message of your answering machine.
Put
timers on indoor lights, televisions and radios; specifically, look for timers with random patterns that suggest movement and activity
in the house.
Erase the messages on your answering machine often, so it isn't obvious you are out of town.
Ask police to check your
street often.
Secure all locks on doors and windows, including garage and pet doors.
Use new, quality, long-lasting light bulbs.
Arrange
to have your yard maintained, including having your driveway shoveled or lawn mowed.
Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your
mail and check the inside and outside of your house every day.
Do not close all shades and curtains; it will be too obvious that you
are away.
