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One
of the times your home is most vulnerable is when it is left empty for an
extended period of time. Darkened windows, mail or newspapers collecting and
closed windows in hotter weather all advertise your absence to a potential
burglar.
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The
best protection for your apartment during your absence is to have a house
sitter. A friend you trust staying at your house can take care of your pets
and/or plants in addition to making sure the house is inhabited.
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Have
a neighbor check on your apartment while you're away -- turning on lights,
radios or TVs and opening and closing curtains will give your apartment the
appearance of someone home.
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If
you don't have a friend or neighbor to housesit or check your apartment while
you're away -- perhaps even if you do -- you should keep not only lights but a
TV or radio on a timer. If you're like me and have your TV on almost all the
time you're home [NOTE: I don't watch it, it's just background noise.], the
absence of the sound and that glowing light in the windows announces that
you're not there.
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Make
sure whoever is checking your apartment while you're away knows how to work
your alarm system and who to call in case of a problem.
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Unless
you have a house sitter, stop your mail and any newspaper or other delivery.
Nothing announces an empty apartment better than a stack of newspapers or an
overflowing mailbox. Ask a nearby neighbor to pick up any packages delivered
while you're gone.
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If
you have a garden or plants on your balcony, make sure someone is watering the
plants regularly or put the plants where they can't be seen. Plants slowly
dying due to lack of water may announce your absence.
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Check
your lease. Many landlords require that you notify them if your apartment is
going to be left empty for any period of time (this is so they can enter in
case of emergency even if they can't reach you). If you've got a house sitter
this isn't necessary.
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