Summer vacations are the perfect way to revitalize and refresh after a long year of deadlines, early mornings and stress.
But nothing can tear that feeling of contentment away faster than returning to a burglarized home.
Aside from putting your Sun subscription on hold, what else should you consider to keep your home safe?
We ask the experts: How can I theft-proof my home while I'm out of town?
"There are lots of things people can do," says retired Calgary Police Service superintendent Gerry Baxter.
"You want to make sure your home is going to look like it's regularly lived in. You need to enlist the aid of a very good friend, a trusted neighbour or a family member."
The past chair of Calgary Block Watch Council says a helpful neighbour can collect junk mail, cut the grass and report any suspicious activity around your home to the police.
"The key here is neighbours looking out for neighbours," Baxter says, adding a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to preventing break-ins.
"Stop any delivery that's coming to your house before you leave on holidays. Most people would use timers on their lights -- have them come on in different rooms at different times," Baxter says. "And leave your radio on. It gives the impression that there's someone inside talking."
Putting away lawn furniture is a good idea, too.
"Put it all into the garage and make sure when you do that, turn the power off to the garage doors, padlock the door. As well, if you've got windows in your garage, cover them over with blinds or drapes."
Always Affordable Locksmith's Lee Alderman recommends keeping two areas in mind.
"Doors and basement windows. That's the minimum people want to do. Eighty percent of break-ins are through the front door. Thieves -- even a lazy thief -- can get in fairly easily."
Alderman says one or two swift kicks can open nearly any door, regardless of the deadbolt.
"Locks from the department stores aren't efficient."
According to the lock pro, high-quality deadbolts and doorjamb protectors are homeowners' best bets. Alderman also suggests barring basement windows.
"The most important thing to me is keeping people out."
