Protecting Your Home While Away

    Be sure to lock your doors before you leave, and let a neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice--it could pay big, big dividends.

    Going shopping or out to dinner

    A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes on your door that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the door.

    When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

    Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

    Planning vacations or prolonged absences

    Discontinue newspaper and other deliveries ahead of time by phone or in person. Don't leave notes.

    Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

    Notify the post office to hold or forward your mail. Another option would be to have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is at home.

    Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your home may be periodicaly inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

    When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

    If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, do not enter. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone to immediately summon police.

    Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

    Always remember to:

       1. Lock before you leave.
       2. Trust a neghbor with a key.
       3. Be a concerned neighbor, yourself.

    Theodore Marlett MSW
    Copyright 2006