Unfortunately, thieves and thugs will use your hard-earned vacations as an opportunity for their nasty crimes. Here are some ideas, suggested by some security and law enforcement professionals, to help make your vacation and travel more secure.

 

• Remember to fully arm your home alarm system when you are away. You can also do a quick status update from your main panel in order to find out if any batteries are running low and need to be replaced before you leave.

• Check that all areas of possible entry are locked and secured, including all doors and windows. And make sure your home  security yard sign is prominently displayed outside your home.

• Before you leave on your vacation, tell a trusted neighbor of your travel plans, and give them a telephone number where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

• See if your neighbor or friend can pick-up your daily mail and newspaper deliveries, as well as any advertising flyers and circulars that you may receive while you are gone. *If possible, perhaps this trusted neighbor can also park a vehicle in your driveway.

• In general, only reveal your vacation plans to those who really need to know and who you trust. Beware announcing travel details online on blogs or social networks.

• It is also an excellent idea to use the proper automatic timers to turn on and off your lights and radio (turn your radio to a talk show rather than a music station) at varying times while you are gone.

• Carry traveler’s checks or credit cards — not large amounts of cash. Also, leave all your jewelry, airline tickets and other valuables in a secure room safe or the hotel’s safety deposit box. Be sure to have a written record of your traveler’s checks and credit card numbers — and keep them in a safe place — in case the traveler’s checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.

• Never put your “common sense” on vacation. While enjoying you vacation travel, you can never be too aware, too prepared or too careful. Sound and prudent judgment is often your best tool in making your vacation and travel as enjoyable and secure as possible. You can relax that home alarm company will be protecting your home 24/7 while you are away, enjoy this peace of mind and have a fun – and safe – summer vacation.