Keeping your home secure while away on vacation

Preventing burglaries to your home while vacationing doesn't have to be a costly venture - in most cases it's actually more common sense than an expense.

Keeping your home looking the same while you're away is one of the most important rules to remember when preparing your pre-vacation security check list.

Lighting habits are very important. Although it is not necessary to keep a light on in every room of your home, keeping lights on in the rooms that your family usually occupies is a must. This is done by purchasing an inexpensive light timer (available at most hardware stores). These timers can be set to come on and off at desired times, and can also be used on appliances such as televisions or radios to further give the illusion of occupancy.

If you have outside motion lighting, make sure that it is installed high enough so that the bulbs can't be unscrewed by a possible intruder.

Make sure all your doors and windows are properly secured before going away. This includes basement windows, garage windows and even screen doors. All exterior doors (including the inside garage door) should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plates. Don't forget to secure sliding glass doors and windows with an auxiliary lock or piece of wood in the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the door or window open. Install screws in the top track to prevent a thief from lifting the door or window completely out of the track.

Pull out the plug on your electric overhead garage door opener. This will disable the unit and prevent anyone tampering with the frequencies and gaining entry.

Lock up all ladders, tools or any objects that could aid in a burglary.

Trim the shrubbery near your home's entrance and walkway. This prevents would-be burglars from hiding in tall, bushy foliage areas.

Examine your home and make sure that valuables are not visible from the street, like expensive electronics or artwork. It's always a good idea to partially close all curtains or blinds to ensure that nobody can look in. If a passer-by can see your belongings, so can an intruder.

Notifying trusted neighbours that you'll be away is always a good idea. If you are unfamiliar with your neighbours or feel uncomfortable about letting them know that you'll be away, then don't inform them of your plans.

If you trust your neighbours, then let them know the dates when you'll be away and leave them a number where you can be reached in case of emergency. Notifying all of your neighbours is not necessary, one or two will do. Leaving a key with a trusted neighbour, relative or even a friend might be an option. Make certain that whoever has access to your home will know what to do in case of an emergency.

Have this trusted person pick up your mail daily. Allow your neighbour to park their car in your driveway while you're away. This gives your home a lived in look and confuses would be burglars.

Nowadays, with call forward available through your telephone company, it's a good idea to forward all your calls to a trusted family member or friend, giving the impression that somebody is home at your residence.

If you have an answering machine use a general message, don't leave a message that lets intruders know that you're not at home.

Have somebody shovel your walks during your winter vacation. A walk that is not shoveled for a few days can send out an advertisement to a thief that nobody is home.