Most travelers have a check list of things to-do before going on a trip; pick up cleaning, board the pet, and putting a hold on your daily newspaper. However, your if you live in Southern California the last item might have increased your risk. Recently police officials in Southern California made several arrests in a burglary ring that targeted subscribers to the LA Times that had placed their home delivery on hold while going on vacation. It appears that the vacation hold list was stolen by an outside machine service person while servicing machines in the LA Times distribution center who than passed the information on to several accomplices who then had their pick of homes to rob.
The above event is out of the ordinary however, there are certain things that a traveler can do to minimize their risks to their home and property while traveling. Having an alarm and motion detector lights installed can help but here are some more tips:
- Make arrangements with a trusted friend, neighbor, or relative to pickup mail and newspapers on a daily basis.
- Notify your local police that you’ll be gone. Some police departments will occasionally check to see if everything is ok. Make sure they are aware of any friend, neighbor, or relative that you’ve asked to help.
- Put some lights in your home on timers that go on and off during expected periods. Also place a radio on a timer and have it tuned to a talk radio show with the volume at a normal level.
- Outward appearances are important too. If it is winter than make plans for snow while you’re gone or if it is in the summer time than have plans for your lawn to be mowed.
- If you have weekly rubbish removal than arrange to have your bins placed on curbside while you’re gone.
Remember the fewer people that know that your going away the better. It’s always best to have you home looked occupied. Use common sense and you’ll have an enjoyable trip.