Ensure you lock all doors and garages when you leave your residence. A number of people have invested in alarm systems , but fail to activate them when they are not home. You should make your house appear occupied when you are gone. This is the single most common tip given to people on protecting their homes. If you will be gone for more than several days, temporarily stop delivery of the mail and newspapers, or arrange for a neighbor to pick them up for you.
Papers piling up in front of a house or mail stuffed in a box is an indication that no one is home.
If you will be away for two weeks or more, have your lawn trimmed or other regular maintenance attended to, again for the same reasons. Purchase timers for lights and have them come on in the evening hours. Many timers can be set for varying times on different days. Include a television in the timer set up. Don't forget to call your local agency to have your home placed on a house check or Vacation Watch.