Nothing spoils a summer vacation more than coming back and discovering someone has broken into your home while you were gone. Learn how to protect your home from criminals while you are away and you won't have to end your vacation by filing a police report. 

Tips to Avoid a Home Robbery While You Are Away

You are never completely able to prevent a robbery, but there are many reliable and inexpensive ways to make your home less attractive to thieves. The next time you take a trip make sure to try a few of these techniques.

Secure Your Home

Make it as difficult as possible for a thief to break into your home. Close and lock your garage door. Cut the power to your automatic garage door opener to prevent a robber from using a universal remote to open it. Reinforce sliding doors with metal rods to make them hard to force open. Forget about stashing a key under your doormat or in a false rock in the garden. If you are afraid of getting locked out, give a key to a neighbor or ask your them if you can hide your key in their yard. 

Speak with Your Neighbors

Tell the neighbors you are friendly with that you are planning on to go away. Ask if they can keep an eye on things while you're gone. Be sure to tell them if you are expecting any deliveries or outside work done on your home. If you are expecting packages, have your neighbor pick them up from your yard and keep them at their home until you return. If your vacation is more than a few weeks, ask if your neighbor knows of anyone that could mow your lawn while you are away.

Don't Advertise Your Home is Empty

Never post on social media you are planning on heading out of town for a few days. This includes marking social accounts as "Away" or "On Vacation". Thieves sometimes use social media to choose a target. Don't change your outgoing phone voicemail message or add an email auto-responder. Try to make your home look like people are still there by using timers for interior lights and exterior lights. Avoid an empty driveway by leaving one vehicle at home or asking a neighbor to park in your driveway overnight. If you must park your vehicle in a long-term parking lot at the airport, delete your previous destinations on your car's onboard GPS navigator to prevent a thief from using it to find your empty home. 

Do you need help with your home's interior or exterior lighting? Northern Lighting has been assisting residents of the Westerville area with all of their residential and commercial lighting needs since 1973. Visit Northern Lighting's huge showroom for the current Dot Sale where you can save up to 30% off selected items!