Reduce the potential for burglaries this summer while you are away on vacation

What can you do to minimize the potential for your home to be a target?

1. Clean up your yard.  Keeping your home safe begins with the outside appearance of your home. Do not leave toys, tools or other items lying around.
2. Make sure that there are no dark or concealed areas around your home.  Cut your shrubs if they are too big.
3. Close all of your windows whenever you leave home.  It does not matter how long you’re planning to be gone; all of your doors and windows should be locked whenever you leave home.
4. Never leave notes on your door for deliverymen.
5. If you need to let someone into your home while you are away, purchase a lockbox for the key.  For the best security, never leave a key “hidden” near your house as this makes your home an easy target for burglars.  Be sure to replace your locks whenever you lose your keys.
   
6. Unplug your garage door opener if you are going on vacation.
7. Stop mail and newspaper delivery.  Or have your neighbor pick it up for you while you are gone.
8. Automatic lights.  It is also a good idea to invest in timers so that your lights will automatically turn on and off while you are gone.
9. Play a burglar deterrent CD ( http://www.webensource.com/burglar_deterrent_cd ) . It will make your home appear occupied while you are away.