1. Ask a Trusted Friend for Help

The best way to have peace of mind is to have a person you trust—a neighbor, friend, or family member—keep an eye on your home. Ask them to swing by once a day to ensure everything is in order. Abandoned mail at the front door is the #1 sign to a burglar that a house is empty. Either have a neighbor collect it or request a “Mail Hold” from the USPS.

2. Beware of Social Media Over-Sharing

Your social media presence can be your greatest vulnerability. Posting “Live” updates or check-ins at an airport lets strangers know your home is empty. Wait until you return to post your vacation photos. Also, be careful with your voicemail greeting; never state that you are “away on vacation”—simply say you cannot come to the phone right now.

3. Make It Seem Like Someone is Home

Burglars often “case” neighborhoods looking for unoccupied houses. You can deter them by:

• Setting your indoor lights on automatic timers to turn on and off periodically.
• Leaving a car in the driveway to give the impression of activity.
• In winter, asking a neighbor to clear your driveway or walkway.
• Leaving some toys or tools near the front door to suggest a busy household.

4. Make Security Measures Prominent

Motion-activated lights around your yard and driveway are highly effective. When a potential intruder approaches and a bright light kicks on, they lose the cover of darkness. Additionally, installing visible cameras (even realistic fake ones with active LEDs) can persuade an intruder to choose an easier target.

5. Check Your Locks and Doors

A single faulty lock is all a burglar needs. Before leaving, we recommend calling a professional locksmith in Naples, FL for a security assessment. An expert can identify weak access points and ensure your deadbolts are fully functional and properly strike-aligned.

6. Unplug Your Appliances

Electrical fires caused by power surges can be catastrophic. Before leaving for an extended period, unplug non-essential appliances like televisions, microwaves, computers, and kettles. Many appliances continue to pull power even when turned off; unplugging them is the only way to guarantee safety from power trips.

7. Hide Your Spare Key Properly

The flower pot and the floor mat are the first places a criminal will look. If you are on vacation, do not leave your spare key hidden on the property. Give it to a trusted friend or neighbor. If you have no one nearby, consider a high-quality outdoor thermometer hide-a-key or a secure lockbox.