AAA has recently announced that it is anticipating over 93 million Americans will be traveling this holiday season, the highest number in over 6 years. Burglars are also aware of this fact making it imperative that you have prepared your home for your vacation as well as yourself. Don’t leave it up to chance, prepare before you go and make your vacation better.
Keep your plans off the internet – While it is good to let your close friends know where you are heading, it is not great to throw it all over facebook and other social networking sites that strangers may see.
Make sure you lock all doors and windows – An obvious tip but one that many may still forget. Most of us will not forget the front door but what about the back door or the window? Don’t leave it up to chance, lock them all.
Consider timers for lights and even a radio – This will keep burglars on their toes.
Lock your valuables up in a safe – Don’t leave your jewelry in an obvious place as this is one of the first things a burglar will look for and replacing an heirloom is going to be difficult.
Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on the house – You may also want to find out if they would be willing to pick up the mail as well if you are just going to be gone for a few days.
Don’t leave a “spare key” outside the house. If you are having someone come in and check on the house, give them their own way in.
If you will be gone longer than a few days, consider stopping services – This includes mail and newspapers as a house with a newspaper out front and a full mailbox obviously has no one at home.
Your luggage tags – Don’t make yourself a target – Many travelers simply throw their home address on labels all over their luggage. While this is helpful if your luggage gets lost, it can make you a target as well. If thieves are scooping out targets at the airport, they may see your tag and head straight over. Consider using a work address or just tag covers to help prevent this.
Keep your insurance policy up to date – While this wont prevent a burglary, it will help you in the event that you become a victim.
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