By Ben Orcutt — Daily Staff Writer

Just as a good pilot makes sure the aircraft is in proper working order before take off, vacationers should also make sure their homes are secure before they depart.

"Always try to make it look like somebody is home," says Maj. Norman Shiflett of the Warren County Sheriff's Office. "I suggest people install inside lights on a timer."

Shiflett says to leave a vehicle in the driveway or in front of the residence if possible. He also suggests maintaining your lawn so things like tall grass or untrimmed shrubbery don't give away that you're on vacation or provide thieves with hiding places.

Claire Bott, 34, and her husband, Nathan, 35, of Front Royal, try to heed that advice when they pack up their four children and go away.

"We try to make it look like there's somebody around," Mrs. Bott says. "Our neighbors have a key. So if there's anything suspicious, they have access to the house."

Shenandoah County Sheriff Timothy C. Carter agrees that having trustworthy neighbors keeping an eye on your property is vital.

"Having a good relationship with your neighbors is a good thing to have," Carter says. "Whether or not you're signed up with a law enforcement agency [for police checks], those neighbors will call in if they see anything suspicious. I think it's critical to have that good relationship with your neighbors."

Like most area law enforcement agencies contacted, Carter says there does not appear to be an increase in burglaries or break-ins during the summer months in Shenandoah County.

"Not necessarily," says Carter. "We have a property check program in the county. We see in an increase in that in the summer because people take advantage of that."

Carter also says not to leave a message on your answering machine stating that you're on vacation or when you're coming back. Having lights on the house also will help, Carter says.

"I would set timers on different times," says Carter. "Try to have that staggered so it's not uniform. Don't leave lights on 24 hours a day. That's a dead give away that the house is empty."

Clarke County Chief Deputy Mike McWilliams says one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when going on vacation is "leaving their doors unlocked. It's as simple as that."

Like most area jurisdictions, Clarke County offers police checks while residents are on vacation, McWilliams says, adding that there does not appear to be a spike in burglaries during the summer.

"I think it's probably more of a crime of opportunity and location in the county," McWilliams says. "When our breaking and enterings occur, they'll be in one location of the county and then they'll move to another section of the county."

Strasburg Police Chief Tim Sutherly says it's important to make sure that you stop mail and newspaper delivery or make sure someone will pick them up for you. Piled newspapers and an overstuffed mailbox are invitations to would-be thieves, he says.

"Don't leave notes on the door saying where you're going and when you'll be home," Sutherly adds.

Captain John Heflin of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office says it's a good idea to have someone house sit while you're on vacation.

"If they do have an alarm system, make sure there's somebody that can respond," Heflin says. "Let the alarm company know who will respond in their absence."

Recording serial numbers for valuables is an aid to authorities in case a burglary occurs, Heflin adds.

"People don't write down their serial numbers for their valuables and it makes it tougher on us to locate them," Heflin says.

Heflin also says for county residents not to hesitate to call for police checks, even if they're not on vacation.

"They can call 24 hours a day," he says. "We'll have a unit respond and try to help them. We have numerous house checks we do even when people are not out of town."

Sgt. Amanda Baker of the Winchester Police Department says that if you can't find someone to house sit, have someone check on your property at various times during the day.

Like other law enforcement officials, Baker says one of the most common mistakes vacationers make is not locking up before they leave.

"That's the biggest thing, is a lot of the breaking and entering that we have is because the windows and doors are not locked," she says. "It's a crime of opportunity. A lot of people have motion lights on their houses and they forget to flip the switch."

Baker also says it's important to lock vehicles left on the property and to remove all valuables, whether you're at home or not.

When her family goes on vacation, Baker says they make sure they take the necessary precautions to secure their property.

"We do all of the things that I'm suggesting," she says. "We have somebody that is actually at our house while we're on vacation. We actually have someone come by the house as well to check on it."

*Contact Ben Orcutt at borcutt@nvdaily.com

Vacation Checklist

* Lock all windows and doors, including vehicles.

* Remove valuables from vehicles and secure valuables in the home.

* Have someone house sit and/or neighbors watch the property and make checks throughout the day.

* Install motion lights for outside and inside, as well as timer lights to come on at staggered times.

* Don't leave notes saying you're gone and don't leave a similar message on your answering machine.

* Either have mail and newspapers held or have someone pick them up.

* Record serial numbers for valuables.

* Don't leave lights on all night because it's a sign no one is home.

* Keep shrubbery and lawn trimmed.

* Tell your alarm company you're going on vacation and who the contacts will be.

* Request police checks on your property.

— Source: Area law enforcement agencies