1) Upgrade Your Locks Before You Leave

Outdated or worn locks are easier to bypass. Consider upgrading to quality deadbolts with reinforced strike plates. If convenience matters, explore keyless entry or smart locks so you can verify door status from your phone and grant temporary codes to house-sitters. If you’ve recently moved or lost track of spare keys, rekeying is a quick, budget-friendly layer of protection.

2) Use Lighting to Your Advantage

Dark, predictable lighting patterns signal an empty home. Put a few indoor lamps on randomized timers and add motion-sensor floodlights around entry points, garages, and side yards. A well-lit exterior discourages prowlers and increases the chance neighbors will notice suspicious activity.

3) Don’t Advertise Your Trip

Save the beach photos for when you’re back. Posting travel updates in real time can tip off opportunistic thieves. Instead, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up mail and packages, and consider a USPS mail hold. Keep a car in the driveway if possible and use smart plugs so electronics turn on at varied times.

4) Reinforce Entry Points

Doors and windows are the fastest way inside—make them work for you, not intruders.

• Door hardware: Upgrade to heavy-duty strike plates with 3″ screws anchored into framing.
• Hinges: Use security hinges or hinge bolts on outswing doors.
• Windows: Add secondary locks or apply security film to make glass harder to shatter.
• Sliding doors: Use a security bar or pin to prevent force-open attacks.

5) Protect Your Valuables with a Safe

Even with layered security, plan for “what if.” A burglary-rated or fire-resistant safe protects documents, jewelry, firearms, and seasonal cash. For best results, choose the right rating for your needs and have the safe professionally anchored so it can’t be carried off.