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How to prevent the threat that shows up at your home while on vacation

Posted at 1:51 PM, Aug 18, 2015
and last updated 2015-08-18 13:51:03-04

RICHMOND, Va. - With the sun up and vacation days tempting even the most grizzled worker, summer travel season is in full swing.  However, before kicking back on the beach, consumer experts are warn homeowners to take every necessary step to protect their home from thieves.

While stopping mail and newspaper deliveries to your home during vacation is relatively common knowledge, Tom Gallagher with the Better Business Bureau of Central Virginia warns that flyers or mailers piling up on your front porch can cause problems.  Crooks look for symbols like that to see if target homes are unoccupied, according to Gallagher.

"Don't let your house look different, protect yourself and don't give that bad guy the chance," said Gallagher.

Experts suggest asking a trusted neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home while you are gone and to ask that person to pick up anything that is dropped off near your porch or mailbox while you are away.

Nationally, AAA estimates there is a burglary every 13 seconds, and cases of home break-ins generally rise during peak travel season.

It is projected that more than 14 million passengers will fly over the Labor Day Holiday, according to Airlines for America, an industry group.