Summer is coming and most of us are planning a much needed vacation. Don’t let all those fun memories disappear by returning to a home that has been burglarized while you were away. There are many simple and inexpensive things to do to reduce the odds you will be victimized.

Research reveals that if it takes more than 4-5 minutes to break in a burglar will give up and leave.

Attached is a list of ideas for securing your home while you are away. Most insurance companies will give a discount on your homeowners policy for certain measures and devices like alarms and deadbolts.

Home Security Ideas

• Take the time to "case" your house as a burglar would. Where is the easiest entry? How can you make it more burglar-resistant?
• Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows, and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but can also be an asset to a burglar. Consider trading a little extra privacy for a bit of added security.
• Force any would-be burglar to confront a real enemy – light. Exterior lights and motion detectors (mounted out of easy reach) can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
• Simple security devices – nails, screws, padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts can increase the amount of time it takes to break into your home.
• Invest in a burglar alarm. Loud noises & flashing lights scare off most burglars. Consider connecting to a monitoring service.
• Close blinds to keep burglars from peering in. Hide valuables that can be seen from a window.
• Don’t post your travels on public social sites like Facebook & Twitter. You just might advertise your absence to savvy burglars.
• Arrange for garbage cans, mail, newspapers and packages to be removed from the property. These can advertise your absence.
• Create the illusion that someone is home. Put timers on lights to come on and off at different times. Turn on a TV or talk radio loudly enough to be heard from outside your door (but not by the neighbors).
• Remember that “hidden” key you left for the contractor? Most burglars know to look under mats and rocks for these keys.
• If you don’t have deadbolts on all outside doors, install them. This will slow a burglar down considerably.
• Don’t advertise your name on your mailbox. Savvy burglars can use your name combined with your address to find your phone number to call and see if someone is home.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to park a car in your driveway while you are gone.
• Make sure exterior landscaping is kept up. Tall grass is a sign the homeowner is away.
• Don’t put your address on your car keys.