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Planning A Summer Vacation? Burglarproof Your Home Before You Travel

June, 2000 - You've just returned from a two-week vacation to find your home ransacked by burglars. Few things can jolt you out of a relaxed vacation mood more quickly than becoming a crime victim. Unfortunately, July and August are the highest months of the year for break-ins.

To protect your home while you're away on vacation, the Insurance Information Institute offers these tips:

• Make your home look lived-in. Leave the blinds open in their usual position. Install automatic timers to turn lights and radios on and off at appropriate times.
• Ask a friend to pick up mail, or forward it to the post office. Stop newspaper delivery and have someone mow your lawn and water the flowers. Transfer valuables to a safe deposit box.
• Lower the sound of your telephone and answering machine so it can't be heard from outside. Make sure your voicemail message doesn't imply that you are away.
• Ask the police or a friend to check on the house. Let them know where you can be reached in an emergency.
• Get involved with a neighborhood watch group. Working with your neighbors to spot trouble is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime.

For more information, call your local law enforcement agency or your insurance agent.