Don't Let It End In tears....
If you cannot find a house-sitter during your holidays, then at the very least you need to find someone to come and pick up your mail, put your trash out on garbage day, and water your plants. An untended garden or plants and an overflowing mailbox are big signs for a thief that your house is ripe for the picking.Security experts recommend that you NOT stop your mail, because there are some unscrupulous people that may pick up on the fact that your mail carrier does not stop at your house. Don't forget to ask your friend or family member to pick up your newspaper too. Also it's a good idea when your away on vacation to leave your car in the driveway rather than lock up in the garage. A car in your driveway is a helpful deterrent to oprtunist holiday theives.
If you don't have a housesitter, you need to make your house look lived-in. Inexpensive timers on your lights will help your home look like someone is home. A good place for the timers are in the living room and bathroom (by the window). Have the person who is checking your house to adjust the blinds also.
Cover lawncare too. A lawn with high grass is a sign that thieves look for too.
Protection While You’re Out - whether on Vacation for Weeks or away for the day
Whether you are just going down the street, out to dinner, or on vacation for a few weeks, these tips should be followed.
Always lock your door and give the person caring for your home a key to check on your home in your absence.
Timers on lights and a radio on will help give the impression that someone is home and although this may seem costly when your on holiday for a few weeks, it's actually very inexpensive and weel worth it for peice of mind.
A spare key should not be left in a flowerpot, under a doormat, inside the mailbox, or in other obvious key hiding places at any time and certainly nopt while your away on vacation. The fake rock key holders are helpful, but only if you already have rocks in your flower garden. The best thing is to leave a key with a neighbor.
Tell your neighbor if you are going out of town. Neighbors will be able to notice things out of place much more quickly than someone who just pops in one or two times a day. Neighbors are a great tool to watch each other's homes.
If the Worst Happens
If something happens while you are away on vacation, here are some things for you to look for:
If you see a broken door or window, then do not go into your home. Call the police from a neighbor's home or from your cell phone. Even if there is nothing stolen, it is better to have a police escort just in case.
If you believe a crime has occured, do not touch anything. Keep the scene as preserved as possible until the police can conduct their investigation.
If you put these tips into effect, chances are pretty good that your house will be safe and secure when you return.
Now you can relax and enjoy your holiday - vacation.
OK. Your Home Is Safe and Secure - Where to go on your holidays?
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