School is almost out for the summer and that means it is vacation time for many of our residents.  Don’t let your vacation be spoiled by returning home to discover someone has broken into your house while you were away. The Department offers these tips to help protect your home. The chances of your home being broken into do not really increase that much when you are on vacation. Most homes are burglarized during the day time when people are working. Start by securing your home during the day, even when not on vacation. When you do travel:

     1. Put your mail and newspaper deliveries on “hold. Several papers in the driveway, or an overstuffed mailbox are sure signs no one is home.

     2. Put your lights on timers. Lights going on and off in different rooms give the appearance of someone being home.

     3. Leave a radio on, preferably on a talk station. Anyone approching the home will hear voices, and will likely not stay around long enough to determine it is a radio.

     4. Don’t advertise the fact that you are away by leaving a message on your answering machine telling the world you are gone away. Leave a “generic” message such as” we can’t come to the phone right now”.

     5. Park your car in the driveway - or better yet- ask a neighbor to park their car there., That way it will come and go and give the appearance that somone is there.

     6.  Tell your neighbor you are leaving, where you are going, and  how you can  be contacted. Make sure you let them know when you return.

     7. Lock your doors and windows. Set your alarm if you have  one.

     8. Consider storing your valuables and firearms at a secure location.

     9. Record serial numbers of valuable items . Take pictures of them and store these in a separate location such as a safe deposit box.

     10 Take a home inventory and check with your insurance agent to ensure you are fully covered with replacement value in case of fire or theft. Many policies have relatively low ceilings on the amount of valuables so you may have to get a “rider” for jewelry, art work, firearms, etc.

Secure your home - Enjoy Your Vacation!