Going on vacation is lots of fun but coming home and finding out that your house has been broken into isn’t. There are several things you can do to keep your home safe while you’re having a good time.
Talk to Your Neighbors/Friends
An abandoned house is one that attracts burglars. You want there to be some activity in your home while you’re vacationing. One of the simplest ways to do this is having friends and neighbors pull into your driveway a few times a day. Another good solution is hiring a house sitter, a pet sitter who stays in your home. If you can’t arrange for someone to come to your home while you’re gone, set some of your lights on timers. It’s best if the lights come on and go off at random times which gives the impression of a person moving around the house.
Stop Your Mail and Paper
Talk to both the post office and your newspaper company and have all deliveries stopped. A bunch of papers and an overflowing mailbox is one of the first things burglars are looking for when they drive through a neighborhood looking for a likely target. You should also make sure that you’re not going to get any packages delivered while you’re gone.
Restrict Your Social Media Posts
The biggest mistake that many people make when they’re going on vacation is announcing their plans. This is a horrible idea. It’s impossible to know who is and isn’t monitoring your social media posts. By saying you are leaving on vacation, burglars know that your home is standing empty. Not only should you not post on social media that you’re leaving, but you should also restrain yourself from posting vacation pictures until you’re back home. In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to hold onto a few photos that have been taken at our home and post those while you’re away.
Boost Your Home Security
Don’t leave your home vulnerable when you take off on vacation. Before leaving home you should go through your home and make sure it’s secure. This is the time to make sure that all your windows are closed and locked. If the locks look worn or damaged, it’s time to get a locksmith to repair or replace them.
Don’t forget to move any hidden keys to a more secure location before you leave on vacation.
Once you know that your home is safe, you’re free to sit back and really enjoy your vacation.