- Ensure the house is securely locked, including windows usually left open
- Cancel newspapers and redirect your mail or have it collected by a friend
- Put pets into a boarding kennel or have friends visit them often
- Tell neighbours or friends who can check on the house, you are away and whom will be at the house legitimately - e.g. gardeners, pet minders
- Secure your garage or, if unable - move items such as bikes inside the house
- Consider security devices, including light timers etc.
- Do not leave cash in the house and locate jewellery in a safe place
- Ensure your lawn is cut, the property tidy and stop all deliveries
- Avoid leaving the answering machine on and turn the phone volume down