Before You leave:

Lock your doors and windows. (many criminals enter through unlocked doors and windows)

Ideally, you or someone knowledgeable should inspect your locks, doors, and windows to determine whether they are adequate and well-installed.

Do not leave a spare key outside you home

Make a checklist of security precautions you want to go through before you leave. Check each item off as you do it. One self defense instructor I know even recommends saying each item as you do it. That way when you're on your way to some exotic place you don't worry about whether or not you locked the doors etc.

Store valuables securely, preferably somewhere else. If this isn't possible, at least don't leave them out in the open. Another good precaution is to engrave your drivers license number on valuables.

Never record specific information about your travel plans or when you are away.

Turn down the ringer on your phone so that numerous, unanswered calls aren't noticed.

Leave an itinerary with someone you trust in case of an emergency. Recently some students returned to the local campus from vacation to find their apartment had burnt down.

Don't tell casual acquaintances/strangers your travel plans. Avoid publicity of your trip. I often overhear students talking about their travel plans in public. While I am not advocating paranoia, some discretion is advised.

Don't load your car the night before. Load it just prior to leaving.

Your place should look and sound like you are still home:

If it's possible, have a friend stop by to take in your mail, newspapers and other deliveries. If this isn't possible, cancel all deliveries and mail.

Arrange to have your lawn cut/snow shovelled while you are away

Arrange to have garbage put out for pickup

Put lights on timers. If you live in a house, outside lights should be turned on at night either by a friend or with a timer.

Leave shades/curtains in the position they would normally be while you're home. If this isn't possible, leave them closed.

Have radio or TV on timer and set to a talk-show station.

If you have a dog, arrange for it to be fed, watered, walked etc. at home rather than taken to a kennel.

Some General Guidelines for Home Security

• Do not leave notes on door indicating anticipated time of return
• Close Curtains at night
• Make sure exterior lighting is adequate. Motion detectors/dusk detector outdoor lighting is good to invest in.
• Don't give personal information to strangers over the phone.
• Report repeated nuisance and obscene telephone calls to the telephone company. Don't talk or debate such a caller. Record time/date of each incident.
• Install good locks on doors and windows.
• Inventory expensive items you own. This can be done in written form, photographically or with a video camera. The last is actually the easiest.
• Window mounted air conditioners should be anchored to prevent removal.
• If you believe someone is in your home, call the police.
• If you are female, it is best not to give indications of your gender on the mailbox
• Don't admit someone claiming to be a delivery/repair person until you confirm their identity; especially if you did not order anything.
• Neighborhood watch concepts should be implimented:
• Know your neighbors.
• Work together for your mutual security
• Report any unusual or peculiar activity
• Know your local police officers
• And remember, lock your doors and windows.

Note, even following all these and other guidelines, you can still be the victim of a crime. However, these guidelines can help you reduce the risk of crime to you and your belongings.

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