SmartHomeOwners

Vacations are great as long as you have peace of mind about your home's security while away.  Break-ins often happen during vacation time because burglars realize no one is at home when families are away.  They lie in wait and watch neighborhoods to find the perfect opportunity!  Fortunately with a little extra effort, you can secure your home and enjoy a restful getaway.  Use these ideas to deter burglars from your home.

Bright Lighting

Outdoor and indoor lighting can cause burglars to think twice about breaking in.  Install lighting that you can control at every possible point of entry (doors, windows, garage, etc.).  These areas should be well lit while you're away.  Leave a couple of lights on inside as well.  To save on energy, consider lights with motion detectors or photocell mechanisms.  A well illuminated home will make burglars think someone's home or will at least force them to attempt a break-in with lights glaring all around them - many won't even attempt it!

Secure All Areas

Make sure your windows, doors, garage doors, basement entrance, fence gates, outdoor buildings, and other areas are locked with modern, theft-deterrent locks.  Use deadbolts to secure doors.  Make sure the window locks are locked all the way.  Even if you checked all locks recently, check them again just before leaving on vacation to be sure.  Also, avoid hiding keys around the house, even if you have a "good" hiding place.  Burglars are familiar with many of the common hiding places and will often search for a key first.  An alternative is to leave your spare keys with a trusted friend or relative.

Neighbourhood Watch

Ask a couple of trusted neighbours to keep an eye on your home for any suspicious activity.  You might consider having a neighbour park in your driveway for a few days to give the appearance that someone is still home.  Cancel mail and newspaper deliveries while away.  Nothing gives it away more than several newspapers or lots of mail piled up in your box.  Neighbours may also check your mail and newspaper if you don't want to cancel.  If you'll be away for several weeks or more, be sure to keep up lawn maintenance while away (mowing, walkway and driveway shoveling for snow, etc.).

Home Security Systems

Choose a home security system with 24/7 monitoring services. This type of service will notify you of suspicious activity while you're away.  Also, allow a trusted friend to have access to the alarm codes to turn off any alarms in case of a false alarm.  If you're worried about burglars cutting the wires to your security system, consider a wireless security setup.  You can even secure outdoor buildings with the wireless system to protect lawn equipment and tools.

Remove Your Valuables

It's a good idea to remove any valuables from your home while away.  Place expensive jewelry, heirlooms, and other items in a safe or safety deposit box, or give them to a trusted relative to keep while you're away.  Be aware that identity theft can occur as well.  Store away any credit cards you don't plan to use.  Even if you secure your home to the best of your ability, removing the valuables will ease your mind just in case!

Use these home security tips to keep your home safe while away on vacation.  It's worth every effort to have peace of mind!