Here is a list of 12 simple common sense things to do to keep your house from being broken into and burglarised whist you are away. Thieves in your house is a sure-fire way to wreck a vacation!  Yes,... I know they are common sense; but we often forget in our busy little lives--like humm - Did I turn off the coffee pot?" and then it bugs you all day.

So here is a SIMPLE list, you can print it out if you like: just to double check that when you are in a hurry, you don`t forget.

This advice - it could really save you a lot of grief.

1 - Be 100% certain that you have locked all your windows and doors before you leave.

2 - If you have a trust-worthy neighbor; give them a key to your house. Have them go in and out a few times now and then, turn the lights on and off before bedtime -- This is great if you don't have an auto-gizmo to do that for you. Your neighbor can be your auto-gizmo! :}

3 - Remember-- A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes on doors, mailboxes, etc...that can inform a burglar your house is unoccupied. So, that said, have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail daily.

4 - An empty garage advertises your absence, so close and lock the doors.

5 - Leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may also purchased to turn your lights on and off during your absence.

6 - NEVER leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

7 - WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES - Discontinue ANY deliveries such as milk, newspaper, fliers and ANY other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. AGAIN - Do not leave notes.

8 - Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove any debris that blows in regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

9 - If you cannot find a trustworthy person to pick up mail daily, notify the post office to hold your mail. Apartment house tenants should also heed this since stuffed mail receptacles are a dead give-away that no one is home.

10 - Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Trust them - Then leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds, maybe even water your plants and let your cat in and out.

11 - When you are going to leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities; and ads for house-sitters. IF you DO get a house-sitter; make SURE they are capable of defending themselves.

12 - If you can afford it - Buy a home security system. They have a large price range from the ones that directly call for help to come to your home to the loud noises and flashing lights and everything in between. Find something you CAN afford - it will very often also make a difference in your home owner insurance fees.

When You RETURN HOME:

Check the outside of your home before you enter even if everything *appears* to look normal from the area you normally enter the house. Do a *walk-about* and circle your home looking for anything amiss or out of place.

If you find a door or window has been forced open or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. Worst case, the criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone or a cell phone immediately to summon police.

If you do this - talk to your neighbors and have the police talk with them too. INSIST on it. Unfortunately, Police can all too often not do their jobs if you don`t demand they do so.

IF you DO enter your home -- Do not touch anything -Don`tclean up any messes -- if a crime has occurred, the scene needs to be preserved until police inspect for evidence.

Also -- ALWAYS REMEMBER - Be a concerned neighbor yourself. You generally receive what you give!