Summer brings longer vacations and more empty homes at the same time, which is exactly why burglary rates tend to tick up seasonally. Here's the checklist worth running before you leave.
Before You Leave
- Rekey or double-check locks if you're renting your place out short-term while away, see rekeying vs. changing locks
- Put lights and a TV or radio on smart timers, a home that looks the same every single night is a giveaway
- Hold your mail and packages, or have a trusted neighbor collect them daily
- Lock every window, not just the doors, ground-floor windows are commonly overlooked
Don't Advertise the Trip
Save vacation photos for after you're home. Real-time posts about being away are one of the easiest signals for someone casing the neighborhood, see how burglars choose easy targets.
Give a Trusted Person a Key, Not a Hidden One
Skip the fake rock or under-the-mat spare, give a physical spare key to a neighbor or family member instead. See why having a spare matters for safe-storage guidance that applies to homes too.
If You Have a Smart Lock
Set up a temporary access code for anyone checking on the house or watering plants, then delete it when you're back. See are smart locks really safe?
Check Your Locks Before You Go, Not After You're Robbed
Summer heat can accelerate wear on older hardware, see signs your lock needs replacement if anything's been feeling off.
Want a pre-vacation security check-up? Call 818-249-5128 before you leave, not after you get back.