Homes are especially vulnerable to break-ins when their owners are away. In fact, 25% of burglaries occur when owners are engaged in leisure activity away from home.

Here are some tips from experts to help keep your property safe while you’re away.

SMART HOME SAFETY TIPS

Take measures to physically secure your home. Install quality window locks and deadbolts on doors with at least a 1” throw. Do your sliding patio doors have anti-slide bars? Be sure to use your locks, before leaving the house check to ensure all windows and doors are locked, double-check the often overlooked second and third floor, as well as basement windows.

Set up motion-sensitive outdoor spotlights that turn themselves on whenever someone approaches your house.

Use automatic timers to control lights, indoors and outdoors, whenever you are away from home. Consider timers for appliances like radios and televisions as well. The ‘sound’ element adds to the lived-in impression you are creating.

Have newspapers and mail picked up by a trusted friend or neighbour, or, delivered elsewhere while you’re on vacation or away from home for a few days. Keep in mind that your family and a few selected friends and neighbours are the only ones who should know of your plans to be absent – don’t leave notes on the door!

Draw up an informal floor plan of your home, indicating all the possible points of entry. Consider which areas of your house are the most vulnerable to intruders.

Consider an alarm system. There are many systems available to homeowners. Take your time about choosing an alarm system, do your homework, look to sources like “Consumer Reports” as well as professional security companies.

Park in the driveway. When you’re away from home, park a vehicle in the driveway or ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.

Ensure that ladders and tools are put away, preferably locked in the garage or tool shed.

Keep up yard maintenance while you’re away from home. Arrange for snow shoveling, lawn mowing, leaf raking, etc. Consider asking a neighbour to use your garbage cans.