Well, summer is just getting started for us here in most of the world so I thought this would be a good idea to come up with some crime prevention trips to protect you, your family and your home when you go off for the day or for the month. There are some tips to help prevent theft from your home while you are home.

For instance, if you plan on spending most of the day in your backyard either landscaping or relaxing, make sure your front door and garage are locked. If you are in the front yard, make sure your back door is locked.

You just bought a new lawnmower or a new bicycle or perhaps both. Lock them up in a garage or a shed when not in use. If you have no shed or garage, keep them in the back of your house but lock them with a bicycle chain and make sure you lock up both wheels of bicycle.

If you are planning a trip to go camping or visiting family or just going on a family vacation somewhere, either have your mail stopped or have a friend or neighbor, someone you trust to pick it up. Same thing with your newspaper delivery. Hire someone to mow your lawn and if you have any hedges by your house or windows, keep them trimmed to about three feet high. There is no better way to access your home by tall and bushy shrubbery. This will hide a criminal very well.

Put your lights on timers so they go on and off at predetermined times so it will look like someone is at home at night. Install motion detector lights at all entrances to your home. The brighter, the better. Neighbors may see these lights go on, especially if they know you are away, and they will probably check it out for you and call the police if needed.

While on vacation, especially at a popular tourist spot, park your vehicle, if possible in a well lit area. Keep windows rolled up and doors locked but:

DO NOT LEAVE PURSES, VALUABLES, GARAGE DOOR OPENERS, CASH, OR IDENTIFICATION IN PLAIN VIEW IN YOUR VEHICLE!

A thief has no compunction about smashing a window, grabbing valuables and running off. If you have to leave purses, wallets, laptops, phones, or anything of value in your car, lock them up in the trunk. It is harder to open a locked trunk than it is to smash a window. Also, it is a good idea to purchase traveler's checks and use them instead of cash because if they get lost or stolen, they can be replaced.

Finally, notify your local police department and neighborhood watch group that you will be on vacation and how long you plan on being gone.

Enjoy your summer vacation worry free.

Be safe. Be smart.