HOW TO PREVENT HOME BURGLARIES.

Byline: Daily News

LANCASTER - While summer is the most popular time for vacations, it can also provide more opportunities for home break-ins.

The Automobile Club of Southern California has offered tips for homeowners to keep their homes safe while they are away.

``Residential burglaries are most likely to occur if the residence appears to be unoccupied and if access seems relatively easy,'' said David Crandall, Lancaster district manager. ``Homeowners can take a few simple steps to deter burglars,''

The Auto Club offers the following tips to help keep homes safe:

--Double-check all door and window locks, and invest in slide protection for sliding glass doors, a frequent point of entry for burglars. Garage windows and doors should also be secured.

--Ask a trusted friend to stop by at different times if possible or to be a house sitter. Have them turn on lights at night, or consider buying a light timer set for every evening. Setting up multiple timers in alternating rooms works best. Radio timers are also a good idea.

--Temporarily cancel newspaper subscriptions and postpone mail delivery.

--Engrave the family name on large valuables. It makes them less attractive to burglars, and also assists with quicker identification if they are stolen and recovered.

--Consider installing an alarm system, which can serve not only as protection but might qualify homeowners for a discount on their insurance.

--Consider parking a second vehicle in the driveway while gone. Ask a friend to change the position of the car a few times if gone more than a week.

--Move expensive electronic equipment away from the windows where it is easily visible.

--Don't give the house a closed-down look by completely shutting drapes and blinds.

--Make certain homeowners insurance is paid and the policy suits current needs.

--Arrange for lawn service if vacation is longer than one week.

--Never leave spare keys hidden under doormats or anywhere outside the house.

--If departing from a local airport, don't expose personal addresses on luggage tags. Use a business address instead.

The Auto Club also advises travelers to use caution with personal belongings while away:

--Use the hotel safe to store valuable items instead of leaving them lying around the hotel room.

--Keep entry and balcony doors locked and use deadbolts and chains whenever possible.

--Don't open the door to anyone. If a hotel repairman shows up, call the front desk and verify the information.

--Don't leave keys lying around when at the beach or pool.

--On the road, don't leave valuables inside the car where they can be seen.

--Always lock car doors, even if gone for just a few minutes.

--At night, park in a lighted, visible area.