Let the police know if you are going to be away for an extended period. In some communities they'll check your house while you're gone. Leave an itinerary with a friend or relative in case you need to be reached in an emergency. Be sure that all appliances are turned off and all windows and doors are securely locked. Don't hide keys under the doormat, in flowerpots, or any place outside the home.
Burglars know all the usual hiding places.
Separate house keys from car keys. Put them on different key rings. Burglars have been known to take jobs as parking attendants, just to make copies of house keys that are left with them. Be suspicious of telephone survey questions that ask how many televisions or what type of stereo or video cassette player you have. The person on the other end may be a thief trying to decide if your home is worth the effort.