The Sign of Security

Convicted burglars said they would be less likely to break into a house with a sign that warned of a guard dog or an alarm. A well-known alarm company name indicates a professionally installed system that may be monitored. But, the threat of physical injury from a dog is probably the best deterrent.

The Lived-In Look

Arrange for someone to shovel walks and driveways in winter, or to mow and water the lawns for the summer.

Trashy behavior

Empty garbage cans mean an empty house. Hide the cans in the basement, storage shed, or garage. Also, turn off the electric garage door opener, padlock the garage door, and lock the door that leads from the garage to the house.

Need a lift?

Enlist a friend or call a car service to take you to the airport so you can leave your car in the driveway. Then have someone move the car once in a while to make it look as if it’s being used. If your driveway will be vacant, ask a neighbor to park in it occasionally.

The Light Stuff

Make use of timing devices for turning lights and appliances like radios on and off. Or try this low-tech method: simply leave a bathroom light on, since this is what many people do while they are at home.

Machine Schemes

Never announce that you’re away on your answering machine; instead say you have houseguests or are otherwise engaged and will return the call soon. Check the answering machine and erase messages frequently to ensure that the machine doesn’t fill up.

Dead Ringer

Turn the ringer on your telephone down or off: a ringing telephone that isn’t answered alerts a burglar that nobody’s around.

Key Exchange

Give a friend an extra house key, a trip itinerary, and numbers where you can be reached. Also leave the numbers of your plumber, electrician, and utility companies. That way someone can handle an emergency, if one comes up.

Read All About It

Newspapers piled up on your stoop let the world know you’re not home. Cancel mail, newspaper, and other deliveries, or better yet, have someone stop by the house to pick them up each day.

Stash It

Miniature safes disguised as shaving cream cans, flowerpots, and books are good for hiding small valuables. Even if thieves are wise to this trick, they won’t have time to inspect every ordinary-looking can. Just make sure your safes look like the real thing.
Also, move valuable items, such as expensive televisions or stereos, away from windows—especially windows that can be seen from the street.