Stop a home burglary while you're gone

By using these theft-prevention tips to protect your home and possessions, you and your family will have extra peace of mind, whether you're away for a day or on vacation.

Make your home look "lived in" even when you're not there:

• Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn or shovel snow.
• Ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway while you're gone.
• Use timed switches on your lights, TV and stereo. Look for timers that turn on and off randomly.
• You can add to the security of your lighting system and cut your electric bill by installing a motion detector on outside lights. This will activate your lights when anyone comes within range of the unit's motion sensor.

Follow these tips from law enforcement officials:

• Join a Neighborhood Watch group. Most police departments have officers who will help you start a program. Neighbors can help watch your home when you're gone.
• Keep valuable items in your safe deposit box, such as stocks and bonds, duplicate copies of your will, stamp and coin collections and jewelry you don't frequently wear.
• Give parking lot attendants and mechanics your ignition key only, not your house key. Don't carry an identification tag on your key ring. This could help a would-be thief easily identify your home and vehicle.
• Consider installing an alarm system for an extra level of protection. You have a variety of choices — from do-it-yourself kits that trigger a siren or lights to professionally installed systems connected to a police station or monitoring service. Post signs in your windows showing you have a security system.
• Lock your doors and windows when you leave, whether you'll be gone a few minutes or a few days.
• Avoid leaving an extra "hidden" key outside your home, such as under the doormat or in a mailbox or planter. To make sure you always get in, leave a duplicate set of house keys with a trusted friend or neighbor.

Related articles