6 simple things you can do to deter theft when no one is home.

Empty homes are a prime target for thieves and the holidays have many people traveling – leaving their homes vulnerable. Fortunately, there are a few simple things homeowners can do to help keep their homes safe while they’re away.

Put mail on hold

An accumulation of mail is an obvious tipoff that no one is home. The post office makes it easy to schedule mail holds online. Upon your return, your postal service will deliver the accumulated mail on a day of your choosing.

Have someone check on your home

Things can, and do, go wrong while folks are away from home. Ask a trusted friend, family member or neighbor to check on your home every few days while you are away. Request that they bring any deliveries inside, check that windows and doors are secure and that the thermostat is set to the right temperature.

Use timers to mimic at-home activities

Consider using plug-in timers to turn lights and radios on and off so your house appears lived in while you’re away. Mimic your usual activity by turning off lights in one room just as lights in another room come on. For example, turn on the the living room lights from 6-10 p.m. and schedule the bedroom light to go on at 10 p.m.

Don’t forget the outdoors

When traveling during the winter, keep driveways and sidewalks clear of snow. When traveling in the summer, ensure that the lawn is mowed. An accumulation of snow or tall grass signals to would-be burglars that no one is around.

Consider a house sitter

The most convincing way to make a house look occupied is to have an occupant. The presence of a house sitter can help deter thieves. You may also ask a house sitter to care for plants, pets and other household duties. Make sure they know where the water shut-off valve, fire extinguisher and circuit box are located.

Lock the doors before you leave

With the excitement of taking a trip, it’s easy to forget to lock the door. Make sure doors and windows are secure before you head out on your travels. 

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