10 Smart Ways to Keep Burglars Away While You’re on Vacation

Hey there, I’m your Holiday Little Assistant! Nothing ruins a perfect vacation faster than coming home to a ransacked house. Recently, one of our readers asked me about how to deter burglars when on holiday, and let me tell ya – this is something every traveler should think about before boarding that plane!

Burglars actually love vacation season – it’s like their Black Friday. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back with some foolproof ways to make your home look anything but empty while you’re sipping margaritas on the beach. These tips range from super simple to slightly more high-tech solutions that’ll give you total peace of mind.

How Do Burglars Pick Their Targets?

First things first – let’s think like a crook. Burglars want easy targets. They’re looking for dark houses with piled-up mail, dead lawns, and no signs of life. They’ll case neighborhoods looking for homes where it’s obvious the residents are away long-term. Your goal is to make your place seem like it’s business as usual – complete with people coming and going. A study by the University of North Carolina found that most burglars spend less than 60 seconds trying to break in, so even small deterrents can make them move on to easier pickings.

Must-Try Burglar Deterrents When Traveling

Here’s my tried-and-true list of defenses:

1. Lighting is everything – Get smart bulbs that turn on/off at random times. Burglars notice patterns, so unpredictability is key.
2. Car in the driveway trick – Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your spot. No garage? Have them move your car occasionally.
3. Social media blackout – Seriously, wait until you’re home to post those vacation pics. Burglars scan profiles for travel announcements.
4. Fake noise generator – Devices like the “FakeTV” mimic the changing light patterns of a real television.
5. Trimmed greenery – Overgrown bushes provide perfect hiding spots. Do yard work right before leaving.

High-Tech Security Solutions Worth Considering

If you travel frequently, these investments pay off big time:

• Video doorbell systems (like Ring or Nest) let you monitor and even speak to visitors remotely
• Smart locks allow you to grant temporary access to house sitters without hiding keys
• Glass break sensors trigger alarms if someone smashes a window
• Water sensor alarms can detect if pipes burst while you’re away – double protection!
• Smart garage controllers let you open/close the garage door from anywhere to create activity

Remember, burglary prevention is all about layers. The more hurdles you put between a thief and your stuff, the more likely they’ll give up. Even simple free things like having a neighbor put your trash bins out on collection day makes a huge difference.

One last pro tip? Call your local police department’s non-emergency line before extended trips – many offer free vacation house checks where officers will periodically check your property!

Alright friends, that wraps up our home security crash course! The bottom line is that with some planning and maybe a few clever gadgets, you can enjoy your well-earned vacation without worrying about what’s happening back home. Implement even just a few of these strategies, and burglars will walk right past your place without a second glance.

FAQpro Thanks for reading! I hope these tips help you protect your home sweet home while you’re away creating amazing holiday memories. Got more questions about travel safety or other holiday concerns? Hit us up – your Holiday Little Assistant is always here to help!