If you leave your home in Meridian, ID for a long weekend or vacation, you want to give it that lived-in look. This is an excellent way to deter burglars. They generally target homes that are empty because it minimizes the chances of getting caught. Idaho Select Insurance offers the following tips for achieving that look.

• Ask a neighbor to park his car in the driveway. A vehicle by the house instantly communicates that someone is at home. It also clears his driveway for parking by his visitors.

• Hold the mail and any newspaper subscriptions. An overstuffed mailbox or a pile of newspapers by your front entry tells criminals that nobody is home. Ask your neighbor to check for and remove any fliers or brochures that have been placed by your door and to pick up any packages left by UPS, FedEx, or other delivery services.

• Add timers inside your home. They can give the appearance of someone being at home by turning lights off and on randomly at around the same time each day. Plug-in versions offer the greatest convenience since you only have to push them in an outlet and plug a light into them. However, switch replacements may be more convenient because they work on the main lights of the home, such as in the kitchen and bath, and double as ordinary light controllers.

• Hire a service to take care of your yard. If you’re going to be gone for a week or more, hire a professional service to mow your lawn or remove snow. They won’t even have to know that you’re leaving as long as you pay them regularly or in advance.

Despite these precautions, burglars may still break into your home. Make sure you have enough insurance to cover any stolen valuables by contacting Idaho Select Insurance.