The following timely tips are brought to you courtesy of South Shore Security, the Massachusetts leader for sound security solutions.

A Home Alone: Security Tips for Vacationers, June 2002

As warmer weather and spring fever sets in, many of us are making plans to leave town on vacation. Don't allow your home to fall victim to crime while you're away. Project a "lived-in" look to deter theft, whether you're on an extended trip or simply gone for the day. Follow these simple steps to ensure that home sweet home remains home safe home:

Use at least two interior light timers - for one floor lamp and one table lamp - programmed to alternate and give the illusion of someone at home.

Leave a news or talk radio station playing so that human voices are heard coming from your house. These can also be set on a timer.

Be sure your mailbox is big enough to hide your day's mail. Nothing tells a thief you're not home more quickly than the site of mail that has not been picked up.

Have an answering machine, so your phone does not ring unanswered.

Never program a message on your answering machine that indicates that you are away from home. Instead, use language such as "I'm not available right now," "I can't come to the phone right now," or "I can't take your call right now."

If you are going away for a long period of time, notify the post office and the newspaper delivery department. The post office will hold mail delivery until you return; so will the newspaper.

If you can't arrange for a house-sitter, get a trusted neighbor to help you out by keeping an eye on the house while you're gone. You may want to leave them a spare set of keys.

Vacations can be one of life's great joys. Take an active role in securing your home. Don't let concern over your house's security stand in the way of your good time!

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