Though turning in your briefcase and laptop for white sandy beaches and tropical drinks are something everyone should look forward to, BBB says people should also have a home security plan to keep burglars at bay. BBB is urging homeowners to check up on security before checking out on vacation.
Keep burglars from ruining your fun with these BBB home security tips:
- Don’t announce your vacation to everyone. Using social media to announce your travel plans tells strangers that you will be away from your home, which makes it an easy target for thieves.
- Make it look like you are home. Leave blinds and curtains in their usual position, arrange to have your yard maintained and consider using timed lights to make it appear as though someone is home.
- Not using your cheque book, address book and other personal items? Leave them at home. They become clutter and if lost during your travels, you become a target for identity theft. Secure personal information in a locked, fire-proof safe and do not share the password.
- Stop your mail and newspapers while you’re gone. An overflowing mailbox can be a tempting target for someone who wants to steal your personal information. Piled up papers could tip off thieves that your home is unoccupied.
- Park in the garage. If you’re not driving to your destination, keep your vehicle secure in the garage. Leaving it on the driveway or street for days on end may make it an easy target for thieves. Also take all of your valuables out of your vehicle and store them securely in your home.
For more consumer tips, visit bbb.org.
