If you are headed out of town – whether for a quick getaway or for the season – smart preparation can make your home look lived-in and far less appealing to thieves. Below are practical steps you can take to throw burglars off the scent and protect your property and valuables from theft.
- Pause or divert mail and deliveries: A pile of mail and daily parcel drop-offs scream “no one’s home.” Put USPS mail on hold (usps.com) and pause subscription deliveries. Ask frequent couriers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx) to hold packages at a pickup location, or schedule deliveries for after you return to avoid theft from occurring.
- Enlist a trusted neighbor or house-sitter: A neighbor who parks in your driveway, brings in packages, and occasionally checks lights is the single best deterrent. Offer to return the favor or compensate them. If you prefer someone inside the house, a house-sitter can water plants, feed pets, and create real signs of life.
- Use timed lighting and sound: Timers on interior and exterior lights mimic routines—bathroom/bedroom lights in the evening, porch light on at dusk. Smart plugs or smart bulbs let you randomize schedules and control lights from your phone. A radio or smart speaker set to play intermittently adds another layer of realism.
- Keep social media quiet: Don’t broadcast your trip while you’re away. Delay vacation posts until you’re home or use private messages to share photos. Public “live” check-ins and geotagged posts are strong invitations to thieves.
- Maintain a lived-in exterior: For longer trips, arrange lawn care so your yard doesn’t look neglected. Have someone put trash bins out on pickup day and bring them in afterward. A tidy, maintained exterior suggests someone is home or checking in regularly – helping to prevent theft.
- Secure doors, windows, and outbuildings: Deadbolts, reinforced strike plates, and window locks are essential. Don’t leave ladders, tools, or spare keys outside. If you keep equipment in a shed, add a good padlock. For sliding doors, add a security bar or dowel in the track.
- Use visible but smart security: A monitored alarm system, yard signs, and window decals are strong deterrents. Install motion-activated exterior lights and consider doorbell cameras or visible cameras that record. Even non-recording dummy cameras can discourage opportunistic thieves—though a real system is better.
- Limit obvious valuables in view: Move expensive items—laptops, tablets, jewelry—out of plain sight from windows. Consider storing high-value items in a safe bolted to the structure or in a safety deposit box while you’re away.
- Create the illusion of activity: Pull a car in the driveway once in a while, set sprinklers on a timer if appropriate, or leave blinds partially open at varying times – all can be accomplished with a trusted friend or family member. Avoid overly predictable patterns; randomization is more convincing when avoiding theft.
- Notify only essential people: Tell a trusted neighbor, family member, or your security company that you’ll be away and provide emergency contact info. Give them permission to enter in case of alarms or obvious problems.
- Prepare for emergencies: Shut off the main water supply if you’ll be gone for a long stretch (prevents burst-pipe chaos). Unplug unnecessary electronics to reduce fire risk. Leave instructions and contact numbers for your house-sitter or neighbor.
- Document and insure: Photograph valuables and keep an up-to-date home inventory—serial numbers, receipts, and photos help with police reports and insurance claims. Check your homeowner’s or renter’s policy to confirm coverage while you’re away.
Small actions add up to a much less tempting target. The combination of visible deterrents (lights, neighbors, signage) and real security measures (locks, alarm, documentation) dramatically lowers the odds of a break-in or theft. If you are looking for a comprehensive home insurance policy – and you live anywhere from Tampa to Venice – call the professional team at Anderson & Associates Insurance Group. We represent many top-rated insurance companies – and we can help you to choose the best one for you
Shelli Anderson-Ensminger is the owner of Anderson & Associates Insurance Group and a trusted leader in the Palmetto insurance community, known for helping clients navigate coverage with clarity and confidence. With decades of experience and access to multiple providers, she delivers personalized solutions that ensure clients are properly protected without being oversold. Deeply involved in her community, Shelli blends modern technology with a personal touch, building lasting relationships both inside and outside the office.
×
Shelli Anderson-Ensminger is the owner of Anderson & Associates Insurance Group and a trusted leader in the Palmetto insurance community, known for helping clients navigate coverage with clarity and confidence. With decades of experience and access to multiple providers, she delivers personalized solutions that ensure clients are properly protected without being oversold. Deeply involved in her community, Shelli blends modern technology with a personal touch, building lasting relationships both inside and outside the office.
Latest Posts
