Do you worry about the security of your home whether you’re home alone or away for an extended period of time?  If so, there are lots of ways in which you can be proactive and burglar-proof your residence.  Coldwell Banker Select Professionals has compiled the following list of suggestions to help you improve your home's safety.

1. Use Automatic Timers: Connect some of your lights, a radio or TV to automatic timers so they come on periodically when you’re not home. 
2. Use Call-Forwarding: When you’re gone for the day or for an extended period o time, have your phone calls forward to your cell.  Some burglars will call ahead to determine whether or not anyone is home.
3. Don’t Let the Mail Pile Up or Grass get Long: If you will be away for a while, make sure you have arrangements with a neighbor or friend who will be able to cut your grass and collect your mail/newspapers. 
4. Don’t Leave Empty Boxes on the Curb: Make sure you break down the box from that expensive new plasma TV you bought and hide it within your trash. 
5. Always Lock Doors, Windows and use a Peephole: It may be a hassle, but you should always take these precautions, even if you are just working in the back yard.
6. Lighting is Crucial: Nothing helps prevent a potential burglary like proper illumination of your home—especially around doors, windows, and parking areas.
7. Prune Low Branches and Plant Thorny Shrubs: Make sure you get rid of any branches that would give easy access to second floor windows.  Also, if you want shrubs against your home, plant ones with thorns to deter anyone from looking in or breaking windows. 
8. Ensure the Security of the Door Leading to Your Garage: Many times, burglars can gain easy access to your garage, so make sure the door that connects your home to the garage is heavy duty with a tight seal.  Of course, it should always be locked.

Hopefully, these tips will help you better secure your home.  You should attempt to make your home appear the same whether you are there or not.  There is no way to guarantee your home will not be targeted, but there certainly are ways to make your property less attractive for break-ins.