1. Appear Home at All Times

• Use Smart Timers: Set timers on lights, radios, and TVs so they automatically turn on at various times throughout the day and night.
• Maintain Your Landscaping: Don’ let your yard signal that you’re away. If you have landscapers or gardeners, don’t cancel appointments while you’re gone. If you mow your lawn, enlist the help of a friend or family member to mow while you’re away.
• Keep the Driveway Occupied: Have a friend, neighbor, or family member park their car in your driveway throughout your vacation. 
• Manage Mail and Packages: Nothing says “we’re not home” like a pile of packages on the porch. Have a neighbor collect mail and packages that are left on your doorstep or talk to your mail person about where to leave packages while you’re away.

2. Install a Security System

Take time to research and price a security system for your house. This could be through a professional company such as ADT or look at installing your own Ring Doorbell or Blink Outdoor camera. According to a study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 83% of burglars surveyed said they would look for an alarm before attempting a burglary and 60% said they would look for another target if they found an alarm present. If installing a full security system isn’t in your budget or schedule, you can still discourage potential intruders by placing security company signs or fake camera decals in visible spots around your property. Even the appearance of surveillance can be enough to make burglars think twice.

3. Share Less on Social Media

It’s become second nature to post everything going on in our lives, especially when it includes an amazing vacation. While these posts are meant for friends and family, they can quickly fall into the hands of a burglar. Once a burglar knows when and where you’re going on vacation, they’ll know exactly when to strike.

• Don’t post the exact dates you’ll be away.
• Don’t say if everyone in your household is going.
• Post a photo of your house or pet while away so no one will know exactly when you’re gone.
• Keep your location undisclosed.

4. Remove Spare Key

If you have a spare key hidden on your property, remove it before you leave for vacation. Chances are, seasoned criminals will search long and hard to find spare keys, and are aware of familiar hiding places. Make sure to either bring the key indoors, or give it to a trusted family, friend, or neighbor for safekeeping. This simple step can provide peace of mind, ensuring that your home remains secure and you’re not unintentionally making it easier for someone to break in.

5. Tell a Neighbor

6. Hide Valuables

Place all valuables and family heirlooms in a safe place, such as a locked safe, before you leave. This will ensure your valuable possessions remain safe even if your home is broken into. Another option is to rent a safe deposit box from Launch CU to keep your valuables safe. Annual Rental Fees and box sizes are subject to availability and may not be available at all branches. Please visit our Fee Schedule for sizes and pricing.

7. Lock Your Doors

This may seem like common sense, but you would be shocked at the number of people who forget to lock their front door, garage door, back door, or shut their windows before leaving. In fact, Safe Wise reveals that nearly 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window, and 34% of burglars enter a home through the front door.