Vacations are more enjoyable when you've taken precautions to secure your home while you are away.

Everyone looks forward to taking vacations. Unfortunately, this can be an opportune time for a burglar to strike, especially if there are obvious signs that your home is unoccupied. Whether gone for a day or a couple of weeks, take the following precautions:

• Submit a vacation check request.
• Check all doors and windows to make sure they are securely locked. If any locks need to be replaced or reinforced, make these improvements before you leave.
• Use automatic timers on interior lights. A timer can also be used on a portable radio.
• Use photo-electric cells (which screw into the light socket) on exterior lights. These devices will "automatically" turn lights on/off depending on the level of darkness.
• If you will be gone for an extended period of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed. It is also a good idea to ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway and to use your garbage container.
• Make sure that items such as children's toys, ladders, lawn furniture, etc. are put away.
• A trusted neighbor should be informed of your vacation plans; when you are leaving and expected return date. Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor so that the position of curtains, blinds can be changed. Also if you don't cancel newspapers and postal delivery, ask them to pick up and place in the house.
• Inform trusted neighbors on all four sides of when you'll be gone so that a complete look-out is maintained. Be selective, however, in announcing your plans to anyone else.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure it's activated when you leave. Leave the alarm key with a neighbor and show them how to turn the system on and off.