Thieves love houses that are empty. If you are planned to travel this summer, your valuables may be vulnerable while you are gone. Jewelry is one of the most commonly stolen items because it is easy to fence and highly portable.
Precious metals, like gold, are appealing because of their increased value these past few years. Make sure your jewelry is properly insured with a specialized policy. Consider storing those hardly worn pieces in a bank safe-deposit box. An in-home safe should weigh at least 150 pounds and be bolted to the floor. Bedroom closets are very obvious so avoid them. Instead choose an inconspicuous place and it should have a combination lock.
Additional protection for your home while you are on vacation can include automatic light and radio timers. Leave a house key with your neighbor now under your front door mat and don’t leave ladders outside where burglars can make use of them. Put a hold on your newspaper and mail delivery and plant thorny shrubs near the windows of your house. And keep your gardener on his regular service.