Vacation Security Checklist | Duxbury Police Department

Thieves look for what police term "targets of opportunity." There are many things you can do to avoid becoming one of the victims, especially when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time.

Notify your local police department if you are going away for an extended period of time.
Double check second floor, garage and basement windows--areas that are often forgotten.
Arrange to have mail and deliveries picked up by your neighbor or friend.
Leave a car in the driveway. Have outside lights turned on and off with a timer.
Arrange to have the yard cut and bushes trimmed.
Have several timers attached to lights in various locations throughout the house.
Ask neighbors to check your house regularly. Leave a number with them where you can be located. Ask them to use your garbage cans.
Don’t tell everyone about your vacation plans.
Don’t leave notes on your door for deliveries, friends, etc.
If you return home and find a break-in, do not enter the house. Call police at once using a neighbor’s phone.
Make an inventory of your property. Mark your valuables with an engraver.
Make sure your doors and windows are locked with the deadbolt lock and auxiliary locks.