Do you have a vacation or extended trip planned for this summer? Burglars might be interested to know, too, and they will look for signs you’re not home.
Here are eight tips to keep burglars at bay while you’re away:
1. Do not leave notes on your door stating you are not home. This is a common mistake that can attract unwanted attention.
2. If possible, keep a vehicle parked in your driveway or regular parking spot to give the appearance that someone is home.
3. Make your home appear occupied by using timers or apps on lights to automatically power them on like normal daily use.
4. Ask a trusted neighbor, relative, friend, or pet sitter to pick up mail and packages and remove all flyers, doorknob hangers, and advertisements from your door or mailbox.
5. Avoid leaving door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places where they could be easily found by intruders.
6. Consider having someone mow your yard and water your outdoor plants to maintain the appearance of an occupied home.
7. Keep all doors and windows locked; apartment dwellers should ensure any sliding glass doors are locked, especially on the ground floor.
8. Avoid posting vacation plans on social media sites; share photos from your trip only after you return home to prevent alerting potential burglars of your absence.
If you or a trusted neighbor, relative, or friend suspect suspicious activity or discover that your home has been broken into while you’re away, call the non-emergency number at 703-691-2131 (TTY 711) so a police officer can be dispatched to take the report.
