According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, there are 10 percent more burglars in summer than in winter. In addition, the rate of victimization of household property also rises in the hottest months of the year. This time of year also happens to be when most of us pack our bags and go on holiday.

When you want to enjoy the summer, you don’t want to worry about what’s happening at home. Here are 10 tips for protecting your home while on vacation.

1. Lock all windows and doors before going on vacation

Over 30 percent of burglars enter their home through an unlocked window or door. A few weeks before your vacation, check the windows and doors of your home to make sure they are properly closed and locked. Make repairs as needed and make sure they are safe on the day you leave

2.Install a Home Security System

While reducing the likelihood of your home being broken by 300 percent, many leading systems offer remote access so you can check your home’s security from your phone. You can even use your device to lock / unlock doors or check pets through security cameras. Plus, your insurance provider can lower your home insurance premium by up to 20 percent when you install a security system – and that savings can help pay for your vacation!

3. Avoid breaking into your garage while out of town

Many homeowners focus on the main body of their home and forget to secure the garage. Luckily, there are several easy ways to help protect your garage from breakthroughs, including installing garage corner slider detector lights, providing garage door locking for services and hiding valuable valuables. If you leave your car in front of the garage door be sure to remove the remote control from the garage door of your car. The burglar will not think twice about getting into your car and using the remote to access your garage.

4. Use light meters while you are away

Light timers are affordable, easy to install and can help deter criminals by making your home look busy. Choose a timer with ‘accidental on / off’ option so that the lights are switched on and off at different times of the day and night, making it difficult for burglars to determine if the home is empty.

5. Remove the “hidden” buttons while on vacation

More than a third of burglars enter the house through the front door, often using the homeowner’s “hidden” key. If there is a key underneath your doormat or other obvious location, remove it. You might also want to consider replacing the traditional front door lock with a keyless lock so you don’t even have to worry about the keys.

6. Tell your neighbors you will be out of town

Assuming you trust your neighbors, it is a good idea to inform them that you will be on vacation and leave a number where you can come. Let anyone know who may be entering your home, such as a home or pedestrian seat. For extra protection, ask your local police department and neighborhood to watch out for any unusual activity near your home.

7. Clean your yard before the holiday

Prepare your home for departure by putting valuables – barbecues, bicycles and tools – in a safe shed or garage, and trimming bushes so burglars can’t hide while trying to enter your home. If you have a port that allows you to access your yard, make sure it is closed and locked. Scan your property for something a burglar can use to break into your home, such as a brick or hammer and take it inside.

8. Keep your house safe with a familiar friend

Get the trump card help from a friend and hire a close friend who will be staying at your home while you are on vacation. They can be your replacement while you are on vacation. These things help hide the fact that you are not at home.

9. Take precautions with electricity, water and the like

Protecting your home from breakage is important, but you also want to avoid problems with utilities, such as electricity or water. Turn off appliances, turn off all sinks, dishwashers and washing machines, and test your smoke detectors.

10. Provide a gardener

If your lawn is overgrown, it can be a sign to people that no one is there to maintain. If you do not have a regular lawn service, consider scheduling lawn maintenance once or twice while you are away.