Going Away? Go for the "Lived-In" Look
 

Going Away? Go For The “Lived-In” Look

Before you leave

• Minimize the number of people who know you will be away to trusted neighbours and close family.
• In summer, have grass mowing and landscaping current and ensure maintenance continues.
• In winter, arrange for regular snow shoveling. If you have electrically heated sidewalks and/or driveways and want to turn them off to conserve power, ensure your neighbour knows how to reactivate.
• Set timers on lights and certain appliances in various rooms.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors/alarms.
• Suspend mail and newspaper delivery if away for more than two days.
• Lock up your ladders and tools, preferably right inside the house.
• Turn down the ringer on your telephones; leave your answering machine on; do not change your message to say you are away.
• Advise your alarm system monitoring provider if you are leaving for any extended period, and update your authorized roster.
• Tell a neighbour your travel schedule and contact information and leave them the household keys.
  

When you are away, have a neighbour

• Open and close your drapes and blinds.
• Collect any flyers that have made it to your door.
• Park a spare car in your driveway.
• Put a bag of their garbage at your curb edge on garbage day.
• Re-fill bird feeders as required.
• In summer, water the lawn, planters and hanging baskets.
• In winter, clear snow off any cars left outside.
• Watch your home for any unusual activity, unplanned deliveries etc.
  

With some timers, the lights go on and off at different times each day, which means a burglar can't pick up on a pattern. Motion sensor lights outside can also startle a burglar and make him flee. Consider installing them in front and back.