| Most people plan ahead for their vacation. Long lists | | | | only allow them to return it to you but could also |
| are made with what clothes to take, what sites to see | | | | provide them with better evidence to convict the |
| or what excursions to take, and even where meals will | | | | people responsible. |
| be eaten. However, one item that should be at the top | | | | •Make sure that you have up-to-date |
| of the list is usually not on the list at all. The list of items | | | | contents insurance. |
| or to do's, which will make your home secure while | | | | •Do not put your home address on your |
| you are away. Well, here are some tips to follow and | | | | luggage when you are traveling to your destination. |
| put on your list before you head out on vacation. | | | | •Lock the garage and shed with proper |
| Following these tips will make for a more relaxing | | | | security locks, after putting all your tools safely away |
| vacation and more peaceful time when you return | | | | so they cannot be used to break into your house. If |
| home. | | | | you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and |
| •Make sure your home looks like someone is | | | | lock it to a secure fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock |
| living in it. Don't close all of your curtains. During the day | | | | or heavy-duty chain. |
| this shows the house is empty. Think about getting | | | | •Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If |
| automatic time switches to turn your lights on when it | | | | you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that |
| gets dark. | | | | you have told the police and security monitoring |
| •Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, | | | | company who has the key. |
| and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible | | | | •And just before you take off, its worth |
| windows. | | | | spending a couple of minutes checking that you've |
| •Cancel any type of deliveries, like | | | | done all you had to do and taken everything that you |
| newspaper deliveries. | | | | need with you that is on your list. |
| •Cut the lawn before you go and trim back | | | | Help from your neighbors |
| any plants that burglars could hide behind. | | | | •It's also a good idea to get help from your |
| •Get a friend or neighbor to look after your | | | | neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home |
| home. They can collect your mail or mow your lawn | | | | while you're away. |
| etc. This gives the impression that someone is living in | | | | •You can repay the favor by doing the same |
| your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don't | | | | for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to |
| label them with your address. | | | | put your name, address or even your house number |
| •Don't leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or | | | | on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands. |
| video, where people can see them through windows. | | | | •If there is a Neighborhood Watch where you |
| •Mark any valuable items with your postcode | | | | live let them know you will be away. This will help you |
| and house number using an invisible pen that you can | | | | keep your home secure and has many other crime |
| get from DIY shops. If your property is stolen, this will | | | | prevention and community benefits. |
| help the police to identify it if it is found, which might not | | | | |