Homeowner Vacation Tips

These simple and easy to implement tips can make all the difference when it comes to deterring a burglar from targeting your home while you are away enjoying your vacation.

When going on vacation or out-of-town for any reason:

Don't publicize vacations ahead of time. Burglars watch for newspaper accounts.
Have good locks on all doors and windows. Ensure they are in good working condition and use them.
Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
Don't announce your absence on answering machines or on any online networking websites such as Facebook, Myspace, etc.
Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
Secure storage sheds, attic and entrances and gates.
Engrave your valuables or have serial numbers on file in a safe, secure location. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by police.
Notify the police of your plans. They will keep an eye on your house when they are in the neighborhood.
Stop deliveries of mail and newspapers or ask a friend to pick them up while you are gone.
Arrange to have the lawn mowed.
Leave information on where you can be contacted in an emergency with a trusted neighbor and ask them to keep an eye on the house.
Give your house a lived-in appearane. A residence that presents a lived-in appearance is a deterrent to burglars.
Put automatic timers on several lights and a radio. Set them so they will turn on and off at random times in different rooms especially the bathroom.
Don't leave lights on 24 hours a day.
Leave drapes in a normal position to maintain a lived-in appearance.
Turn the bell on the telephone down to low.
Have a neighbor park in your driveway or in front of your house.

If you would like to have a home site security survey completed to ensure the security of your home, please contact the Davie Police Department Community Policing Unit at
(954)693-8287

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