Never announce you’re away
Wait until you’re home to post vacation pics on Facebook, advises Allstate insurance agent Jim Towns. Also, turn off the volume on your home phone so the ringing won’t signal an opportunity to passersby, and don’t change your voice mail greeting to say you’re out of town.

Eliminate easy access
According to statistics from the FBI, 61% of burglars use force to gain entry, “but they’ll often look for open doors and windows first,” says Jim Towns. Check that all door and window locks are working (including windows on the second story), and repair any broken glass, particularly in basement windows. Bring in any hidden keys.