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