With summer approaching, many families plan vacations. Summer break makes it an ideal time for family trips with children, often lasting two to three weeks or longer. An empty home becomes an easy target for burglars, so precautions are essential before departure.
Burglars specialize in detecting whether a home is occupied. To enjoy a worry-free vacation, avoid giving thieves the impression that the house is empty. For instance, consecutive nights of pitch-black windows or piles of accumulated mail, newspapers, or magazines can easily make your home a prime target.
Install Timers for Appliances
Many families not only lock doors and windows when traveling but also draw curtains. This seems to signal to thieves, "We're not home."Therefore, it's best to leave curtains open as usual. Additionally, use timers to activate lights, TVs, stereos, and other appliances at set intervals. This creates the illusion of occupancy, deterring burglars.
Install Motion-Sensor Lights on the Porch
Experts also recommend installing motion-sensor lights near the porch or driveway. These lights automatically illuminate when someone passes by. Thieves prefer operating in darkness, so sudden illumination can deter them.
To manage mail buildup, contact your post office before departure to request mail hold service. Similarly, notify newspaper and magazine delivery companies to pause service until your return. Ideally, ask a trusted neighbor to collect mail and newspapers and keep an eye on your home.
Social Media Poses Risks
Social networks have become a new avenue for thieves to scout targets. Many vacationers habitually "show off" holiday photos on social media, even publicly sharing their travel dates and destinations. Experts advise waiting until after your trip to post photos, as sharing them beforehand gives thieves an opportunity to strike.
Lower Your Landline Volume
A ringing phone that goes unanswered signals to burglars that no one is home. Before leaving, lower the volume or mute your landline phone.