Unfortunately break-ins happen, but you can take steps to protect your home. With minimal effort you can make your home appear occupied, even if you're away.

Swipe ahead to learn how to discourage home break-ins.

Video Doorbells

Burglars might ring the doorbell before breaking and entering to determine if anyone is home. Many systems allow you to answer the doorbell via a two-way audio system, giving the impression that someone is home.

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TV & Radio

A lower-tech option is to turn a radio or TV on at a decent volume so any bad guys who might be casing your place can hear it. There are even devices that emit flickering light to emulate a TV.

Car in the Driveway

If possible, park a car in the driveway to make it look like someone’s home. Be sure to leave it locked and don't leave any tempting valuables in plain sight.

Leave Shoes Out

Leave a pair of shoes on the front porch. This will make it look like someone’s just arrived at home. Make sure they’re shoes you’d be ok parting with just in case a thief gets desperate.

Have Someone Pick Up Your Mail

If you’ll be gone for several days, ask a neighbor to pick up your mail each day. Piled-up mail in the curbside box can be a sign to burglars that the house is not occupied.

Use Lights

If you’re going out for the evening, leave a few lights on around the house to make it look like someone’s home. If you’re leaving for a few days, use a smart lighting system that you can set to automatically turn lights on at evening time.

Have the Lawn Mowed

If you’re going to be gone a really long time, hire someone to mow the lawn at regular intervals. Nothing says unoccupied like an overgrown lawn.