Protect the House From Break-Ins: 7 Tips for Travellers & Snowbirds

The holiday season isn't just a time to be social - for many of us it's also time to hit the road and leave the home behind.

As one of the busiest travel times of the year, it's important to be aware of where you're going, but also about what you've left behind - your house.

No matter if it's an apartment, townhouse or house, homeowners should be aware of what to do when they're away, whether it's for the weekend, a week or even several months for those lucky snowbirds.
Here's a list of tips from Weiser Lock on how to protect the homestead while you're away:

1. Don't be too social on social media about your departure dates - exact dates are an announcement that your home is empty.

2. Check all your doors and windows to make sure they're locked - many break-ins can occur through small basement windows, garage or backyard doors left open.

3. Walk to the street and look at your house - make sure house numbers are visible from the street and trees and bushes aren't overgrown over pathways and around doors.

4. Check out the backyard - check the back gate, fence and landscaping - preventing easy access by locking gates, put away garden items in a locked shed or garage and consider adding a lock or more shrubs.

5. It's ok to be excited about that new electronic toy from Santa- just don't tell everyone you see and then let everyone know you're away for a week.

6. Ask a neighbour or friend to look in regularly at the house - removing flyers, bringing in the mail and having another eye on the home helps keep it safe.

7. When was the last time you updated your locks? If it's been over 10 years, consider getting a new lock - and always have a deadbolt.