Vacation/home security tips:

• Create the illusion that you're at home by getting timers that will turn lights on and off. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.

• Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up. Stop delivery or have a neighbor pick them up.

• Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you can trust.

• Install outside lights and keep them on at night.

• Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery and cut back tree limbs from near your home.

• Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.

• Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.

• Sliding glass doors can be secured by putting a broomstick handle or a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.

• Lock double-hung windows with key locks or pin windows by drilling a small hole into a 45-degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed.

• Sliding windows can be secured by putting a dowel in the track.

• When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

• All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.

• Install a peephole in all entry doors. Door chains break easily and do not keep intruders out.

• Consider purchasing an alarm system. Shop around not all alarms or alarm companies are created equal.

• Less expensive options include-sound detection plugs and motion-sensing devices.