Tips on How to Make your Home Secure

Most people plan ahead for their vacation. Long lists are made with what clothes to take, what sites to see or what excursions to take, and even where meals will be eaten. However, one item that should be at the top of the list is usually not on the list at all. The list of items or to do’s, which will make your home secure while you are away. Well, here are some tips to follow and put on your list before you head out on vacation. Following these tips will make for a more relaxing vacation and more peaceful time when you return home.

•Make sure your home looks like someone is living in it. Don't close all of your curtains. During the day this shows the house is empty. Think about getting automatic time switches to turn your lights on when it gets dark.
•Fit mortise locks or bolts to all outside doors, and locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
•Cancel any type of deliveries, like newspaper deliveries.
•Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
•Get a friend or neighbor to look after your home. They can collect your mail or mow your lawn etc. This gives the impression that someone is living in your home. If you leave keys with a neighbor, don't label them with your address.
•Don't leave valuables, like your TV, hi-fi or video, where people can see them through windows.
•Mark any valuable items with your postcode and house number using an invisible pen that you can get from DIY shops. If your property is stolen, this will help the police to identify it if it is found, which might not only allow them to return it to you but could also provide them with better evidence to convict the people responsible.
•Make sure that you have up-to-date contents insurance.
•Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are traveling to your destination.
•Lock the garage and shed with proper security locks, after putting all your tools safely away so they cannot be used to break into your house. If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock or heavy-duty chain.
•Finally, lock all outside doors and windows. If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have told the police and security monitoring company who has the key.
•And just before you take off, its worth spending a couple of minutes checking that you've done all you had to do and taken everything that you need with you that is on your list.

Help from your neighbors

•It's also a good idea to get help from your neighbors. Ask them to keep an eye on your home while you're away.
•You can repay the favor by doing the same for them. Warn the neighbor who has your key not to put your name, address or even your house number on your keys in case they fall into the wrong hands.
•If there is a Neighborhood Watch where you live let them know you will be away. This will help you keep your home secure and has many other crime prevention and community benefits.