Protect your home when you're away

A home that appears occupied deters burglars:

Use timers to operate lights; Leave blinds and curtains in everyday positions; Turn your telephone ringer down, so no one outside can hear repeated rings; Review your answering machine. Make sure it does not imply you are away; Ask a friend to pick up newspapers and deliveries, or have deliveries stopped; Arrange for continuing yard care; and if your car is parked in the driveway, have a friend move it occasionally. Remove objects that might allow access to your home, such as ladders stored outside or trashcans that could be used to enter a window or scale a fence; To prevent intruders from hiding behind shrubs, trim bushes to expose branch structure; Never leave a key hidden outside. Burglars know all the best places;