Vacation Season Safety: Protecting Your Home While You’re Away
As summer travel ramps up, so do opportunities for theft, fraud, and other unwanted surprises. Whether you’re heading out for a long weekend or an extended getaway, taking a few proactive steps can make all the difference in protecting your home and identity.
At O’Brien & Associates, we understand the peace of mind that comes from knowing your home and personal information are secure—even when you’re not there to watch over them. These vacation season safety tips will help you reduce risk and enjoy your time away with confidence.
1. Be Mindful of What You Share Online
It might be tempting to post your travel plans or real-time vacation photos, but public posts can signal that your home is unoccupied. Even if your social media accounts are private, it’s best to wait until you’re back to share the highlights.
2. Secure Your Property
Double-check that all doors, windows, and garage entries are locked before you leave. Consider installing smart locks, security cameras, or motion-activated lights. Even inexpensive timers on indoor lights can make it look like someone’s home.
3. Put Mail and Deliveries on Hold
An overflowing mailbox or stack of packages on the porch is an open invitation for criminals. Place a hold on your mail through the U.S. Postal Service, and pause or redirect online deliveries when possible.
4. Alert a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Let someone you trust know you’ll be away and ask them to check in occasionally. They can help with small but important tasks—like taking out your garbage cans or watching for suspicious activity.
5. Safeguard Personal and Financial Information
Keep sensitive documents—like passports, financial records, and checkbooks—in a locked drawer or safe. If you’re traveling internationally, consider using a VPN for online banking or shopping to protect your information on public networks.
When To Call A Professional
Even when you’ve taken all the right vacation season safety precautions, things can still go wrong. If you’ve experienced a break-in, identity theft, or suspect fraud while you were away, it’s important to act quickly. In addition to law enforcement, a licensed private investigator can help identify the source of the issue, gather evidence, and work with you to take the next steps.
At O’Brien & Associates, we assist clients with a variety of personal and professional investigative services—so you can move forward with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting what matters most.
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