You’re going on a summer vacation.
And that means your home is more vulnerable to burglary, not exactly a thought that will encourage a restful, relaxing time while you’re away.
Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect your home, or at least give yourself some peace of mind, so you can enjoy your getaway, no matter how long.
Beth Newton, a real estate broker with Windermere Camano Island Real Estate, said homeowners putting their properties on the market, especially in the rural environment of Camano Island, where neighbors often are far apart, should be especially aware of home security this time of year.
“It’s definitely a concern,” said Newton, who recently shared summer vacation security tips with her clients.
Here’s a look at the tips, courtesy of Windermere, plus a few more.
Your overall goal should be to make it appear that someone is home.
Hire a house sitter: If you have pets you want leave at home, this is a no-brainer.
Sitters can simply stop by daily or twice daily for pet care or, the best option for home security, they can stay overnight.
Find someone you trust and negotiate a reasonable rate for their time and your sanity.
If you hire a stranger using a website — such as HouseCarers.com, MindMyHouse.com or HouseSittersAmerica.com — check references thoroughly.
Have a volunteer check your home: Some areas offer vacation home checks by trained volunteers, including Everett and Camano Island. Call your area police or sheriff’s department for details.
In Everett, go to www.everettpolice.org and click on crime prevention to find vacation check application form, or call 425-257-7497. On Camano Island, call the citizens patrol at 360-678-4422 or go to www.islandcounty.net/sheriff and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Alert the neighbors: If you trust your neighbors, give them the exact dates you’ll be gone, in writing, along with a contact phone number.
Let them know if and when anyone will be stopping by, and ask them to report any suspicious activity.
Ask them to help with your trash bins, mail, packages and fliers left at your door. (Some burglars leave fake fliers as a way to check if you’re home.)
Put your newspaper and mail on hold: Piled-up newspapers and a stuffed mailbox are a great way to let everyone know you’re gone.
If you subscribe to The Herald, call circulation at 425-339-3200 or go to www.heraldnet.com/section/vacation to put it on hold.
The Herald can credit your account or save the papers for you and deliver them when you get back. To stop your Weekly Herald, which is delivered every Wednesday, call 425-673-6500.
Park a car in your driveway: If you’re leaving a car behind, park it in the driveway instead of inside the garage, or ask a neighbor to park there while you’re away.
Hire out yard work: If you’ll be gone for an extended period, hire someone to mow the lawn and water the plants.
Put multiple lights on timers: Lights turned on inside your home at all hours can be a great burglar deterrent.
You plug automatic timers into your outlets and then plug whichever lamps or appliances you want to activate into the timers. TVs and radios turned on are also excellent deterrents against intruders.
Some timers, such as the Stanley 31200 TimerMax Indoor Weekly Digital Timer ($12.99 at Amazon.com), have vacation settings that turn your lights on and off randomly.
Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037, sjackson@heraldnet.com.
Beat the Burglars
Check out The Herald’s Beat the Burglars series at www.heraldnet.com/sirens for tips on avoiding and dealing with home burglaries. Find tips for year-round home security, including locks, lighting and landscaping, at tinyurl.com/HeraldHomeSecurity.
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