Smart doorbells can go a long way toward deterring home invaders. But wily thieves are shrewd enough to note when a home is unoccupied, and to find ways—sometimes even squeezing through a doggie door—to accomplish a robbery.
- Never leave big boxes at the curb – That box your 60-inch TV came in can tip off a burglar who would love to have that big TV. Use a boxcutter to make short work on big boxes and put the pieces in the trash can.
- Delay posting vacation photos – It’s tempting to post those beautiful beach shots on social media while you are away. But it’s also a tip-off to thieves who know where you live. Post pictures after you get home.
- Stop the mail – An overflowing mailbox is a sure signal that a home is currently unoccupied.
- Stop the newspapers – A pile of unopened papers on your doorstep is another sure giveaway to thieves.
- Don’t leave spare keys in obvious places – Hiding a key under the doormat or under a pot of flowers on the porch is an invitation to burglars. Keep the key in a lockbox, hidden in a fake rock that blends in with the landscaping, or keep one at a trusted neighbor’s house.
- Mind the blinds – If you normally keep your blinds open, then closing them when you leave on vacation can be a tip-off to burglars. Leaving them partially open is a better way to give an illusion that someone is home.
- Beware of fresh snow – Virgin snow is a dead giveaway that a home is unoccupied. If it snows while you are away, ask a friend or neighbor to create some foot tracks to the front door.
- Keep the lawns mowed – If you are going to be away for an extended period, hire someone to keep the lawns mowed in your absence.
- Set timers for interior and exterior lights – Timers that turn the lights on and off at different times of the day create the illusion that someone is home and are one of the best deterrents to thieves.
