Do you leave your lights on while you’re away? Bad idea!.

It’s a good idea to leave some lights on while you’re away – but they’d better be on a timer...

That’s one of the things that burglars look for and lights that are on 24/7 SCREAM empty house. Here are some other clues robbers are hoping you’ll leave:

• Mail: Anything with your last name on it makes it a lot easier to find your phone number. They’ll need that later to see if you’re home.

• Flower pots: If you’ve got a flower pot, door mat or other decorative things anywhere near your door, that’s where they’ll check for that spare key. The safest place to hide one is with your neighbor.

• A cheap door: Your front door may be top notch but burglars will check the others to find the one they could kick in in pick the lock on. 

• Knob handles: These are typically the easiest to pick. Every door should have a deadbolt.

• The obituary: Burglars check the paper for funeral services to let them know when the whole family will be gone. Ask a neighbor to keep an eye out and leave a vehicle in the driveway.