You have been slogging for months for this year-end vacation. But the thought of leaving your house unattended for days makes you, quite frankly, nervous. Here is a checklist before you set
- Check all windows and doors before leaving. Make sure all doors are properly locked, including the garage door. Closing the shades, drapes and blinds is a bad idea as they signal that nobody is home. Try and keep a few lights on.
- Do your best to make the house look lived in. If possible, have a neighbour come into the house from time to time and open some shades while closing others. The change in patterns may dissuade burglars.
- Do not let deliveries such as mail or newspapers build up at your door or overflow in your mailbox. Have a friend pick up your mail regularly.
- Residents of private homes should remember to put away lawn furniture, ladders or other outdoor equipment before leaving town. Not only can they be stolen or vandalised, but a ladder or a chair can also be very useful for anyone trying to break in.
- Turn down the volume of your phone bell so that the passers by will not be able to hear an unanswered phone.
- Place all the valuables you intend to leave behind, including jewellery, cash, cheques and chequebooks, in a safe deposit box.
- Try and keep your holiday plans to a minimum number of people as even talking about it casually at a local store can increase the chance of tipping off a burglar.
- Inform the local police station for basic instructions before heading out of town.
- If you trust your neighbours, let them know your plans and leave them a number where you can be reached in case of an emergency. Notifying all neighbours is not necessary. One or two will do.
- Leaving the house keys with a trusted neighbour, relative or even a friend might be an option. Make sure whoever has access to your home will know what to do in case of an emergency.
(Source-Hindustan Times,23/12/06)
