Here are ways to prep your house before you hit the road for vacation or holiday travel so it doesn’t look empty and attract the attention of robbers.
1. Simulate activity
Controlling your lights with timers only goes so far in faking activity at your house while you’re on vacation, says Mark Clement, home improvement, landscape and property management expert, and co-host of a home improvement radio show. If you have a neighbor or friend who can help, he says, ask them to drive your car around the block each day and park it in a different spot. If you have a porch or deck, ask your neighbor to move the furniture around a bit to make it look as if you’ve been out there drinking your morning coffee.
2. Don’t leave clues
If you are out of town on trash day, ask your neighbor to put out and bring in your trash cans. “Not putting out your trash is a sign that you’re not there,” Clement warns. If you normally keep your blinds open, keep them open while you’re gone, otherwise you are signaling that no one is home.
3. Hold the newspaper, mail and packages
Be sure to put a hold on your newspaper and mail, and don’t forget about packages. Request a vacation hold from FedEx, hold your U.S. mail and request a hold from UPS.
4. Don’t give thieves a way in
If you store a ladder outside, lock it with a chain or cable so no one can use it to break into your house, Clement says. If you have a hide-a-key, bring it inside your house. Check your house from the sidewalk and street to make sure no valuables are visible from the windows.
To find out more simple ways to deter the attention of robbers, go to
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Posted By: Reginald Culpepper
Saturday, December 7th 2019 at 11:02AM
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