You've just returned from a two-weekvacation to find your home ransacked by burglars. Few things can joltyou out of a relaxed vacation mood more quickly than becoming a crimevictim. Unfortunately, July and August are the highest months of theyear for break-ins.
To protect your home while you're away on vacation, the Insurance Information Institute offers these tips:
- Makeyour home look lived-in. Leave the blinds open in their usual position.Install automatic timers to turn lights and radios on and off atappropriate times.
- Ask a friend to pick up mail, orforward it to the post office. Stop newspaper delivery and have someonemow your lawn and water the flowers. Transfer valuables to a safedeposit box.
- Lower the sound of your telephone andanswering machine so it can't be heard from outside. Make sure yourvoicemail message doesn't imply that you are away.
- Ask the police or a friend to check on the house. Let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
- Getinvolved with a neighborhood watch group. Working with your neighborsto spot trouble is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime.
For more information, call your local law enforcement agency or your insurance agent.
