According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, burglaries accounted for $4.6 billion in property loss in 2009, the last year reported.
That averages out to $2,096 per burglary.
Most burglars don't want you home when they break in. They just want to get in, get your stuff, and get out as quickly as possible.
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The best way to keep them from striking your house while you're on vacation is to not let them know you're gone. Here are some tips from the .
Use the Force
This is the most important and easiest thing you can do. Call the at their non-emergency number, 440-934-1234, or go to their Detroit Road headquarters, and you can put your home on a list to be visited by patrolling police officers during their non-peak times.
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Officers will canvas the perimeter of your home as well as inspect your property for broken windows, doors, and anything else out of the ordinary until you return home from your vacation.
Like a Good Neighbor
Find a trustworthy neighbor to look after your property for you. If you can, ask a friend you trust to house-sit or to just pop on over each day you'll be gone and water the plants or feed the cats. Seeing activity in and around your house at random times is a good deterrent for burglars.
Don’t Leave a Paper Trail
Stop your newspaper delivery and mail service. Nothing is more welcoming for burglars than a stack of week-old newspapers on the doorstep or a bulging mailbox full of bills and coupons.
You can go to the or go online to the U.S. Postal Service Website and have them hold your mail until you return. You will have the option of picking it up when you return, or it will be delivered in bulk when you resume delivery.
Let There be Light
Pick a few areas of the house and keep them lit at night. Programmable timers that plug into your wall outlets will help you do this. Plug lamps into them in key areas like the living or family rooms, and the master bedroom. Leave a single light, such as the one over the sink, on in the kitchen before you leave. You can also put a television or radio into a programmable timer outlet to provide noise, making it sound like someone's home. You can find programmable timers at several places in Avon including , , or .
Look Outside
Trim back shrubs to eliminate hiding spaces for burglars. Put ladders away.
Don't Rush Out the Door
Set aside quiet time before you leave to go through the whole house, making sure all windows and doors are locked, appliances are off, timers and alarms are on and that you're good to go. Use a checklist to give yourself peace of mind. Also, if you're leaving the house through an attached garage, don't forget to lock the door from the garage into the house.