I have been very fortunate in my time on the planet to never have been robbed. I'm almost afraid to say so lest I jinx myself but I have to think that common sense and planning have had a lot to do with my "luck" in this area.

Item number two on our travel planning list is actually another short list of security concepts and products everyone should consider - particularly those of us who have our own homes and/or who live in the country or a less densely populated rural area.

• Overgrown bushes or shrubbery make a great hiding place for burglars. Keep plants and trees trimmed as much as possible. You'll hate that $30,000 landscaping job if your new Japanese Maple aided unauthorized entry to your home.

• If you live in the country you probably have a lot of burglar-friendly tools and ladders on your property - lock them up.

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• Keep your yard well-lighted. Motion-sensitive and photocell light fixtures are effective, as is low-voltage garden lighting, which also adds to the aesthetic value of a residence.

  If you do happen to live in the country, these also provide entertainment for you by scaring the bejesus out of the occasional deer or possum!

  

  EagleEye Wireless Motion Sensor

  The EagleEye Wireless Motion Sensor has a fully weather-resistant case to protect the sensor from the elements, and it can turn on X10 lights automatically when someone walks onto your property, providing an additional sense of security.

  
  

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  Let There Be Light!

  This unit will blast motion-detected light in flood-light mode. Not too many animals OR burglars will want to be caught in this!

  Leviton X10 Motion Detector 6417

  Turn all floodlights throughout your house on when any of the motion sensors detect motion.
  

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• Make it appear that someone is always at home by using appliance and light timers.

  Here is a handy-dandy model that allows you to schedule up to 8 lights and 64 possible event scenarios. I don't have this much off and on when I am actually there!

  64-Event X10 Mini Timer

  Schedule up to eight X10-enabled lights to turn on and off automatically or at the press of a button. This timer has a built-in alarm buzzer and will even turn lights on and off randomly to give your home a lived-in look.

  
  

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• Install strong, quality deadbolt locks on all entry doors. If in doubt, make sure the screws in the strike plate are at least three inches long.

  

  23% of burglars enter through a first-floor window...

  Household Door/Window Alert Sensor

  The Household Door/Window Alert Sensor works by sending a wireless signal to the Household Alert Receiver, which in turn notifies you immediately of the breach with both audio and visual indicators.

  
  

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• Let neighbors know you will not be home - when you are leaving, and when you expect to return. I also make sure at least one of my closest neighbors has my cell phone number. My closest neighbor to my country property is nearly a mile away, but luckily for me, she has eyes like a hawk!

• Let your local sheriff or county police know that you will be away.

  This may be more prevalent in the country than the city, but local police will do additional "drive-bys" of your property if they know you are not around. Specifically for longer trips or vacations, police may be able to foil that 17' U-Haul that pulls up to your front door as if you had planned it.

  And remember, 34% of burglars DO come through the front door.

  You pay for this service with your property taxes so take advantage of the professionals at your disposal.

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These additional products will assist you in your quest to deter and defeat burglars
Don't let crime ruin your holiday or vacation travel!