Going on vacation? Don’t forget to advertise!

26. July 2008 by Chris.Cox.

Consider the following scenario:

You look out your window and see your neighbor’s house. This house has a dying lawn, newspapers stacked doorknob deep, and mail overflowing the mailbox.

Would you assume that they’re home, or perhaps they’re on vacation or otherwise away? Burglars and other criminals make the same decision on a regular basis. They look for certain indicators that would identify an empty house or a “soft target”.

When you leave for any extended period of time, due to vacation, business trip or mid-life crisis, consider the clues that you’re leaving behind. Look at your home from the perspective of a criminal, and use that mindset to hide your absence.

Conventional wisdom suggests that you call the newspaper and post office to stop deliveries. While it’s a good idea to avoid the buildup of newspapers and mail, why involve the stranger at the newspaper or post office? Should you do so, your name and address will be placed on a “hold” list. Can you guarantee that the list won’t fall into the wrong hands? If possible, as a relative or trusted friend to collect those items for you.

Most hardware or security stores sell lamp timers, which will turn on lights or appliances during the day or night to simulate activity inside. Avoid the timers that work on fixed times in favor of those that support random times. Lights that come on at 9:00 pm every night could be coincidental, but it could also be a vital clue for burglars.

Some things are preferred, but not always possible. For instance, using a timer on a sprinkler system will keep the lawn healthy and avoid a neglected appearance. If you have multiple vehicles, leaving one in the driveway can fool casual observers. And, best of all, is to give a key to a relative or trusted friend who can check on your home, or possibly stay for a period of time.

Nothing ruins a vacation like bad news, but you can do something to help prevent it!

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