Discontinue newspaper and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly.

Notify the New Zealand Post to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a giveaway when no one is home.

Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use your cellphone or a neighbor’s phone immediately to summon police.

ALWAYS REMEMBER TO—
1. Lock before you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor—yourself.