Would-be burglars will notice if you are not home, so, if you are going away, advise a trusted neighbour and ask them to keep an eye on your home and garden while you are away.
Ask your neighbour to collect your mail or ask the post office to hold it.
Stop regular deliveries of milk and newspapers.
Use timers on lights and radios to give your home a "lived in" appearance.
Arrange for your lawn and garden to be kept trimmed and tidy and leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbour.
Also advise your local police if you are going away for an extended period.
Never leave a message on your answering machine to say you are on holidays.
Before you leave
Be careful who you tell that you are
going away. Let relatives and trusted
neighbours know where you are going, for
how long, and where they can reach you.
Leave your contact numbers with a
trusted neighbour and have them keep
an eye on your home, clear the mailbox
and re-arrange the curtains and blinds.
Dont leave descriptive telephone
answering machine messages like
"Youve reached the Smiths were away
for the Christmas holidays." This may
encourage a break-in.
Stop your mail if you are going away for
a prolonged period or arrange for a
neighbour to clear your letterbox.
Cancel milk, bread and newspaper
deliveries.
If you dont have an answering machine,
make sure to divert your telephone. An
unanswered phone indicates that the
home is vacant.
Triple check that all windows and doors are securely locked before leaving.
Write yourself a security checklist of things to do before you go on holidays. i.e. have
someone collect mail, arrange light timers etc.
Whilst away
Arrange for a neighbour to park their car
in your driveway.
Arrange for your lawn to be mowed.
Use timers on interior lights to give the
appearance that someone is home.
Check your answering machine when
you are away as you dont want the tape
to become full - another hint that you
may be away.
If possible, organise a house sitter to
stay in your home or have a trusted
friend or family member check the house
every couple of days.
Security
