Thursday 8 August 2013

Vacation Time


Summer vacation time is here, if you are planning on going away. Here are some helpful do's and don'ts.
Most burglars check for four things: something worth stealing, easy access to the house, low visibility, and a home that is unoccupied. If all of these conditions are met, your home is an easy target. Here are some quick Do’s and Don’ts will help towards protecting your home.

Do

  • Fool thieves by making your home look occupied at all times. Use light timers, or timers for the TV or a radio.
  • Change the pattern of the lights you leave on when you’re away. Leaving the same light on always could tip-off thieves and signal you aren’t home.
  • Maintain an everyday appearance by leaving some curtains and blinds open.
  • Turn down the volume on your phone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside.
  • Keep outside gates locked.
  • Keep the door between the garage and the house locked.
  • Install motion detector lights outside to ensure the perimeter of your house is well lit.
  • Organize or participate in a community watch program.
  • Lock valuables and important documents in a safe or other secure location.
  • Ask one of your neighbours to park their car in your driveway.
  • Cancel newspapers and have a neighbour pick up fliers and other papers from your porch.
  • Trim back bushes and shrubs that might obstruct entries to your home.

Don't

  • Leave a message on your answering machine saying that you aren’t at home.
  • Let newspapers and mail pile up. Ask someone you trust to collect your newspapers and mail daily while you are away.
  • Leave garbage cans out on the curb.
  • Leave a key hidden outside under a flower pot or window sill. Thieves know where to look!
  • Leave tools or ladders outside which can be used to gain access to your home.
  • Leave valuable items in clear view of the windows.
Also, ask someone you trust to "house sit", especially if you plan to be away for an extended period of time. If possible, leave an itinerary and contact details with a reliable neighbor, friend, or family member. Ask them to keep an eye on your home and report anything suspicious to police.

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