When you go on vacation there are a few things that you can do to help secure your house and make it less of a target for burglars:

• Use timers on lights, radios, and/or TVs, to make them go on and off during the day and night to make your home appear occupied.
• Leave blinds open in their usual position. 
• Lower the sound of your telephone ringer and answering machine so they can't be heard outside. 
• Stop mail and newspaper delivery, and have a neighbor or friend pick up anything left at the home (like those "throw-away" newspapers and circulars). 
• Leave your itinerary with a neighbor so you can be contacted in an emergency. 
• Ask the neighbors to watch your home and report any suspicious activities. 
• Disconnect your electric garage door opener and padlock the door, preferably on the inside. 
• Arrange to have your lawn mowed in summer and your walk and driveway shoveled in winter. 
• Notify police and dependable neighbors as to when you plan to be away. Join with your neighbors to keep a close watch on each other’s home and watch what’s happening in your area—working closely with them is a good way to prevent crime.
• Don’t go away and leave your front porch light on for the entire time. It’s a clear signal to burglars that no one is home. Have motion sensor lights installed. Do the same for your back yard lights and the garage. 
• Lock your vehicles, even if they are being left in your garage (and remember to remove all your valuables from your vehicles). 
• Make sure your side garage doors are locked and secured. Turn off your automatic door opener.