Some authorities say that if a burglar wants into your home there is nothing that you can do to deter them; however, I believe there are several ways to make your home less inviting to a burglar. When you go on vacation, you do not want to worry about the security of your home. Furthermore, the last thing you want to do is return from vacation to find your home burglarized. One of these seven tips may just be the one that keeps your home safe from burglars while you are on vacation.
1. Security system
A security system is a proven deterrent to burglars. They will move on to the next home that has no security system. A monitored system where the employee can actually speak and warn intruders that the police are on the way are the best. However, if you cannot afford a security system, find one of those fake signs and put it in your yard anyways.
2. Timers for lights
This is a great way to deter burglars because if they are watching your home they will see lights going on and off. However, do not set all of the timers to go on and off at the same time or only use one light. A smart burglar will watch the second night to see if lights go on and off at the same time. Set lights in different rooms to turn off and on at as many different times as you can. Also, add timers to your television and stereo too!
3. A dog in the backyard
Dogs are great protectors when you are home as well as when you are on vacation. Burglars do not want to attract attention nor do they want to fend off a large dog. If you can safely leave you dog in the back yard, have a neighbor feed him for you during your vacation.
4. Stop your mail and newspapers
Morning newspapers piling up in the driveway are a blinking neon sign for burglars. Contact your newspaper delivery service to stop the paper while you are out of town. Also, go by the post office and put a hold on mail delivery until you return.
5. Have neighbors park in your driveway
Having different cars in your driveway at various times of the day and night will deter burglars too. Ask several neighbors if they can park in your driveway at least once or twice while you are out of town.
6. Street lights
Contact your utility company to inquire about having a streetlight installed on your property. These lights come on at dusk and light up your property all night long. Burglars prefer homes that have dark yards.
7. Trim back shrubs and bushes from windows
Shrubs and bushes underneath windows provide cover for burglars breaking in through a window. Before going on vacation, you should cut back bushes and shrubs so that anyone from the road has clear view of anyone hanging around your windows. Furthermore, mow your grass very short so that it will not look overgrown before you get home. If you will be gone for more than a week, ask one of the neighbors to cut your grass when they cut theirs.
