SAFETY TIP:
Many folks share news of upcoming vacations on social media. However, if you do that, you essentially set yourself up as a target for burglars.
Crime Prevention Tip:
Keep your valuables hidden:
Some burglars may scope out potential targets ahead of time, ensuring they hit houses where they can get their hands on valuables. As a result, it's best to avoid keeping your expensive items where intruders can easily see them as they pass by. For example, avoid leaving expensive tools or bikes out in the open, close your garage door, and don't leave expensive electronics, purses, jewelry, cash and other big-ticket items in front of open windows.
When shopping, secure your purchases in the truck of your car when traveling from one store to another. Packages left on a car seat are easy targets.
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS:
#1 Car fobs contain panic buttons, and can double as a great alarm in case of emergency. Pressing the panic button will cause your vehicle to repetitively blast its horn and flash its headlights - if your car is in the driveway this can draw attention to your location and (hopefully) scare would-be-criminals away.
#2 Cover the cameras in smartphones, laptops, tablets, smart televisions, etc. when you want to be sure that they cannot record you. Left uncovered, they can record you without your knowledge. Keep in mind that microphones can also be activated by malware.