Home Improvement News Bureau

Protect Home During Holiday Travels

Nearly 20 Percent of Home Burglaries Occur in November and December

MONEY PIT NEWS BUREAU - November 15, 2004: While you're traveling over the valleys and through the woods this holiday season, who is watching your home? Holidays are a busy time for break-ins, according to the U.S. Department of Justice, with nearly 20 percent of home burglaries occurring in November and December.

"You can never be too careful during the holiday season," said Tom Kraeutler, co-host of The Money Pit home improvement radio show. "Criminals prey on homeowners this time of year, waiting until you leave on holiday travels to break in and ruin your holiday celebrations. But, there are some smart things homeowners should do to discourage burglaries."

• Put your interior lights on timers to turn on in the evening to give the home an occupied feel. Rotate these around the house for a more realistic look.
• Make sure all windows and doors, including garage doors, are locked before you leave. Unlocked entries are the number one cause of break-ins.
• Add motion lights outside to light up your yard if a stranger approaches.
• Make sure the security alarm is activated, and take your passcode with you in case it is accidentally set off by weather or animals while you're out of town.
• Turn your heat down before you go to ensure your heat pump isn't running the entire time you're away.
• Unplug all space heaters and holiday decorations.
• Turn off all outside faucets to prevent frozen pipes. The last thing you want is to return home to find a burst pipe and a room full of water.
• Add a festive holiday decoration to your door, even though you won't be at home. Your home will look lived in and less attractive to burglars.
• Arrange for your snow removal service to shovel your sidewalks and driveways while you're gone. Not only will this make it look like you're home, it will reduce your snow-related headaches when you return.
• Finally, notify a trusted neighbor that you'll be away and ask them to pick up mail and parcels. Also, your local police department may offer "out-of-town" drive by patrol service.

"You may think everyone shares your holiday spirit, but there definitely are burglars out there who would rather share your electronics, jewelry and other valuables," added Debby Robinson, co-host of the show. "Make sure you take a few minutes before leaving home to protect your belongings and your home."

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