vacation security tips Minneapolis

Despite the recent gray, rainy conditions, summer is here.  The kids are out of school.  Soon you will be going on a summer vacation.  In the next couple of posts, I will share tips you can use to prevent a home burglary so you can enjoy a worry free vacation.  The last thing you want is to come back to find your home victimized.

vacation security tips Minneapolis

Criminals Like Soft Targets

Burglars look for homes that are easy targets.  They don’t like to work hard.  They case out neighborhoods where homes look empty.  Your goal with vacation security is to make your home less attractive.  Fool the burglars into thinking people are at home.
Vacation Security Tips Minneapolis
Tips for Summer Vacation Security

Use the following tips as a check list before you go on your summer vacation.

• Stop delivery of newspapers and mail.  Have a neighbor pick up any packages left at your door.
• Don’t hide a key under the doormat or in a fake rock.  First place a criminal looks.
• Close blinds so a burglar cannot see into your home.
• Trim bushes and if you are gone for a longer period of time, have someone cut the grass.
• Make sure your door and window locks are in good working order.  Lock them before you go.
• Keep some interior and exterior lights on.
• Lock your garage, sheds or any out building.
• Turn off unused appliances and computers.
• Put some inside lights or radio on a timer to create a people at home feeling.
• Switch your phone to a single ring.  A constantly ringing phone says, No one is home.
• Don’t advertise your vacation on Facebook or other social media sites.
• Get help from a trusted neighbor to help with several of these tasks.
• You can notify some police departments about your vacation schedule.
• Let your home security people know you are going to be on vacation.
• Notify your credit card companies about your vacation plans so they don’t deny usage of your credit card because it is being used in a different location.

Conclusion

Follow these tips and you will make your home more secure during your summer vacation.  Then enjoy the vacation!  Be safe.