It sounds obvious, but nearly 30% of burglars enter through an unlocked door. Before you leave:

Burglars don't always use the front door. Check these often-overlooked access points:

• Front door: Ensure the strike plate is reinforced with 3-inch screws — standard short screws are easy to force out
• Back and side doors: Same reinforcement applies. Check door frames for rot or weakness
• Sliding glass doors: Place a bar or wooden dowel in the track to prevent the door from being lifted off its frame
• Pet doors: Lock or remove pet doors — experienced burglars use them to reach interior doors
• Basement windows: Install window locks or security bars on ground-level basement windows
• Air conditioning units: If you have a window AC unit, use a security bracket or remove it before travel

A dark house at night is a billboard that says "nobody's home." The goal is normal, varied lighting — the kind that happens when real people are living there.

Set up lights to mimic real patterns:

• Use smart bulbs or smart plugs to turn lights on and off at varying times — not the exact same time every night
• Set living room lights to come on around dusk, then off at a natural bedtime hour
• Have a few lights on in the bedroom during evening hours — bedrooms with curtains create realistic occupied appearance
• Use motion-activated porch and pathway lights to startle any approaching visitor after dark
• Connect lights to your smart home system so you can manually trigger them remotely if needed

Visible security cameras are one of the most effective deterrents — research shows they reduce the likelihood of a break-in. Modern cameras let you watch your home in real-time from anywhere in the world.

Camera placement priorities:

• Front door — covers visitors, deliveries, and potential burglars checking if you're home
• Back door and side entrances — burglars often enter through less-visible doors
• Driveway or garage — monitors vehicles and entry to the garage
• Backyard — covers fencing, pool, shed, and any exterior valuables

Key camera features for vacation monitoring:

A professionally monitored alarm system or a loud local siren gives you the best protection against intrusion — and alerts neighbors immediately.

Before leaving, verify:

An overflowing mailbox or a stack of packages on the porch is a glowing invitation to porch pirates and burglars alike. Before you go:

A freshly mowed lawn and trimmed yard signal that someone is home and maintaining the property. A neglected one screams absence.

• Mow the lawn and trim hedges the day before you leave — ideally schedule lawn service if you're gone for more than a week
• Set up automated sprinkler timers to keep the lawn green — a brown lawn is a telltale sign of extended absence
• Put garden tools away — ladders, rakes, and shovels are also break-in tools left in the yard
• Put away outdoor furniture cushions — prevents weather damage and signals departure
• Move expensive items (grills, bikes, patio furniture) into a locked garage or shed
• Trim tree branches that provide easy access to second-story windows

That dreamy vacation photo posted in real-time? It tells the world — including potential burglars — that you're not home. It's one of the most overlooked vacation security risks.

Your home network is the backbone of your smart home security — and a potential vulnerability if left unprotected.

The most effective home security system is a human one. Having someone physically visit your home regularly is the single most powerful deterrent.

Arrange for a house sitter or trusted neighbor to:

• Check the property daily — walk around, look for anything unusual
• Collect mail, packages, and flyers — especially newspapers and real estate flyers that pile up
• Park their car in your driveway periodically — an occupied driveway is a strong deterrent
• Water plants or the lawn — maintains the lived-in appearance
• Follow your specific instructions — such as adjusting lights or blinds
• Have a spare key (or know where it's hidden) in case of emergency

Many police departments offer a vacation check program — officers will periodically drive by your home and check for signs of intrusion while you're away. Sign up in advance.

• Register with your local police vacation watch or house check program before you leave
• Join or connect with your neighborhood watch group — they keep an eye on each other's properties
• Provide a contact person who can respond to any issues if you can't be reached

Security isn't just about burglars. A comprehensive vacation prep checklist also includes: