Protect Your Home During Your Vacation

Summer vacation.

Those two little words say it all. Whether you're looking forward to blissful days at the beach or a relaxing mountain retreat, these precious weeks spent with family and friends are ones we look forward to all year.

One thing you don't want to have to worry about you're while away is protecting your home from theft.

Here are a few tips from the Arlington County Police Department:

• "Make sure your home looks lived in, not empty: stop mail and cancel all deliveries or ask a friend to make daily collections. Hide empty garbage cans. Leave shades and blinds in normal positions. Put an automatic timer on several lights and the radio. Have a neighbor keep your property maintained."
• "Leave a key to a trusted neighbor."
• "Store valuables in a safe deposit box."
• "Tell a neighbor you trust your departure and return dates. Supply an itinerary with phone numbers where you can be reached in an emergency."
• "Ask police to make extra checks at your residence."
• "Lock all windows and doors. Double check basement and garage doors before you leave."