Home Security Tips for Thanksiving Holiday Travels

In case you are planning to travel away from home this Thanksgiving holiday, don’t forget to heed these 5 important tips to reduce the odds you will return home to a crime scene.  Burglaries have been on the rise in the past few years, making these brief home security tips well worth a few minutes of your time.

Before You Leave Home:

1. Just as you wouldn’t announce your trip or absence to your social network, don’t advertise your absence from your home with unkempt landscaping, a pile of mail and newspapers or leftover garbage.
2. Timed lighting is a must along with a radio or television to simulate the occupancy of the home.
3. Remove ladders, tools or other equipment a potential burglar might need to gain access to your home.  Remember, burglars want to get in and out as fast as possible—so assist them toward that end.
4. De-power or lock garage door openers.  If you have an unattended vehicle parked outside with a garage door opener in it, would-be thieves can quickly break the auto glass, activate your garage door opener and be inside your home in under 30 seconds.
5. Lock Up!  Over 40% of home burglaries are termed by police as “no force entries.”  Therefore, before you leave, make sure every window and door is locked.

For additional resources on how to protect yourself from burglary or home invasion, visit the following sites:

1. Personal Security Expert, Robert Siciliano’s 10 Tips to Preventing Home Invasion
2. Washington Post: Anatomy of a Burglary
3. Download the Burglary Prevention Council’s Brochure Practical Ways to Burglarproof Your Home