Do you travel around the holidays, like millions of other Americans? That is what potential intruders are counting on. Here are some tips to help keep your home and belongings safe from potential theft while you are out of town.
- Stop mail and newspapers. Piles of newspapers and mail stuffing a mailbox are an easy sign to potential intruders that no one is home.
- Invest in electronic timers. Having a few lights and televisions or radios on a timer will deter unwanted guests who might otherwise see a dark home as an invitation.

- Take out the spare key. If you normally keep a spare key hidden under a mat, rock, or other out-of-the-way place, stop it: not just while you are on vacation, but always. This is a terribly unsafe practice.
- Consider hiring someone to watch your home and pets. Having a person in your home while you are…