Home Protection Tips for Travelers
When spring comes around, many will be taking that long-awaited vacation to "get away from it
all." Unfortunately, some vacationers will return home to find "it all" is no longer there.
Home burglaries are generally higher during peak travel months. Nationally, a burglary
happens every 13 seconds.
Many home burglaries, however, could be prevented by taking a few simple precautions. AAA
provides the following tips for any home owner planning that well-deserved vacation:
- Many burglars enter a house through a window. Remember to close and lock all house
and garage windows and doors. Slide locks are recommended for sliding glass doors.
- If you own a second car, lock and park it halfway up the driveway to deter potential
burglars from pulling a vehicle close to your house. However, if you live in an area where car
thefts are frequent, you must carefully consider this option. AAA suggests that any vehicle
parked outside and left unattended for an extended period should be protected with some type
of auto theft or security device.
- Leave blinds and curtains in their normal position so that your house doesn't have a
closed-down look. Another helpful hint is to move expensive electronic equipment such as
televisions, stereos, computers, valuable collectibles, firearms and other attractive items away
from windows, where they are within easy site.
- Engraved property is less attractive to burglars. Positive identification through engraving
can also lead to a quicker recovery of stolen items.
- Don't broadcast your trip regardless of how delighted you are about the vacation. Ask a
close neighbor or friend to pick-up your daily delivery of mail. If that is not an option, have the U.
S. postal service hold your mail and temporarily cancel your newspaper subscription.
- Ask a trusted friend to inspect your house regularly and inform them of who to contact in
case of an emergency. Ask them to turn outdoor lights on at night or put your lights on a timer.
Whoever is minding your house should also be given a key to your car in case the vehicle
needs to be moved during an emergency. Also, make them aware of anyone who may be
visiting your home while you are away such as yard maintenance workers.
- Set an automatic timer so interior lights periodically turn on and off. A timer on a radio is
also suggested.
- Make arrangements for the safe storage of your valuables.
- If traveling for an extended period, arrange for lawn service. It's important to keep
shrubbery trimmed around doors and windows. Don't give a thief a convenient place to hide.
- Never leave spare keys "hidden" under doormats, in flowerpots, or anywhere outside the
house.
- Make certain your home owner insurance policy is paid.
If you are traveling by air and departing from a local airport, don't expose personal information
on your luggage tags. If possible, use your business address instead of home address or use
tag covers. If a thief reads the address on your luggage tags, he may assume your home is an
unoccupied and thus easy target.
One final note. Upon returning from your trip, if you notice the front door ajar and its suspect
that an uninvited guest has broken into your home, go to the nearest phone and call for police
assistance.
AAA wants you, your home and your property to be safe while vacationing. Paying attention to
these simple precautions will help ensure your return home is as enjoyable as your trip. |
