Ask a neighbor to fill a garbage can and put it in front of your house. Ask the neighbor to pick up your newspaper and mail. Do not tell the newsboy that you will be gone. Ask the neighbor to park his or her car in front of your house from time to time to give the appearance that someone is coming and going regularly. Get a mailbox which is large enough to totally conceal mail, or install a mail slot in your door.
Uncollected mail suggests that no one is home.
Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves, videocameras, with your driver's license number. Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of all valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box. List all your valuable property as an aid in determining the loss in the event of theft. Invisible-ink markers available from some agencies and stores can be used to mark items which are not easily engraved, such as fur pieces, paintings, crystal, antiques, etc.