Captain Hasson's Home Safety Tips for Going on Vacation

Going away on vacation is a great time for you - and burglars. Leaving your windows open are an invitation to crooks to spy in your West Roxbury home.

When you begin to think about securing your home, answer the following question, “If I were locked out, how would I get in?” Begin there.

• Any and all windows should be locked. This includes basement windows.
• If you have trees or shrubs covering windows, consider trimming them for better visibility
• Be sure to have locks on all doors. Don’t neglect back doors, side doors, porch doors, and garage doors; thieves prefer to use the doors out of plain view. So be sure they are secured.
• Consider installing motion censored lights on the exterior of you home. Thieves prefer to work in the dark where no one can see them. Eliminate this element by having proper lighting on porches, driveways, alleyways, and back doors.
• Never hide a key under a mat or in a mailbox. Give a key to a trusted neighbor for safe keeping.
• Be sure not to put out large boxes with labels displaying logos of your newly purchased items. Break down boxes and don’t put them outside until trash day.

Going Away? Be sure to create the illusion that someone is home. 

• Consider using timed lights on the interior and exterior of your home. 
• Close blinds to be sure your TVs, laptops, and other expensive possessions aren’t being displayed.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to pick up your mail and take out your trash bins.
• If you’re traveling for a long period of time, you may want to ask a trusted friend or family member to check on your home from time to time.