Vacation Crime Prevention Checklist

Are you planning a romantic getaway with your love this summer, vacationing with family or friends, or finally taking a break from daily routine with a camping trip into the country?

Take a peek at my Vacation Crime Prevention Checklist. Tips are similar to ones my local police department recommends. Play it safe rather than sorry. 

Vacation Crime Prevention Checklist

• A house that looks occupied, even when you're not there, may thwart off potential burglars. 
• Plug in timers to turn lights, radio, or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps disguise the fact that you are away.
• Deadbolt strong, quality locks on all doors, windows, basement entrance, patio, storage area, or guesthouse. This applies even if you'll be away no more than a day.
• Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. Leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
• Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and packages.
• Arrange for someone to mow and water your lawn, rake leaves, and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look. Cut back scrubs so doors and windows are visible to neighbors and police.
• Plant cactus or thorny plants close to windows, to keep criminals away.
• Clearly display house number, both in front and in the rear of your home, so emergency personnel can find you.
• Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
• Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages or social media sites.
• Leave your blinds, shades, and curtains in a normal position. Don't close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
• Close and lock garage doors and windows. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. 
• Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
• Engrave your valuables as recommended in Operation I.D. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.

Your neighbors know your routines. They're the best ones to spot anything out of the ordinary. If your neighborhood doesn't have a neighborhood watch, check with your police department or city hall to find out how you can organize one. 

Why not purchase the woman's self-care journal, Colors of Joy: A Woman’s Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss to bring along on your trip?

Order it Now 

It offers ideas that help you get into vacation mode, as well as activities that encourage you to unwind and relax.

The quote for today follows: "A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking." Earl Wilson

Happy Travels You All!

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