Top 8+ Obvious Ways You’re Telling Burglars You’re on Vacation
2) No Cars in the Driveway—Or a Parked Car That Doesn't Move
Burglars often “case” a house for awhile before breaking in, studying it to identify security and occupancy cues specific to the home and its owners. If you always park your car in the driveway and a burglar sees it missing one night, they could realize you’re not home. On the flip side, if you’ve taken a taxi to the airport and left your car in the driveway, a burglar might take note that the car hasn’t moved in days. To avoid this, it’s best to have a neighbor, family member, or friend park their car in your driveway from time to time or even move your car for you.
3) A Pile of Mail, Newspapers, or Packages
When a mound of Amazon boxes grows outside your front door, that’s a clear indication no one’s home to bring them in. The same goes for newspapers that are lining the driveway or mailboxes that are overflowing. The solution is simple: Have someone pick up your mail for you while you’re out of town.
7) The Trash and Recycling Didn't Go Out
Again, any deviation from your typical home routine can indicate your house is vacant. “Most burglars often stake out a victim’s place before putting their plan into action, potentially knowing the schedule of your neighborhood, such as trash collection day,” Wright says. “I recommend asking a trusted friend, family member, or neighbor to place your trash bins outside when trash day comes around.”
8) You're Posting on Social Media From Vacation
Nothing says “I’m not home” like a constant stream of vacation content on your social media profiles. That’s not to say you can’t post at all, but you should be judicious about what you’re posting. “While it’s tempting to showcase your fantastic trip, publicly revealing information such as departure dates and duration of absence can invite potential risks back home, such as theft of packages or break-ins,” says Wright. Generally speaking, it’s best to save the vacation posts for after you’ve returned home.
