LINCOLN - The Nebraska Attorney General's Office has said that July through September is the height of the burglary season in Nebraska and cautioned homeowners to take security precautions before leaving on summer vacations.

The summer vacation season has arrived across Nebraska.  Unfortunately, the burglary season has arrived, too.

According to the Nebraska Crime commission, July, August, and September are the most popular months for burglary offenses in Nebraska, with most involving residential properties.  Uniform Crime Reports show that more than $5.5 million in property is reported stolen in burglary offenses in Nebraska each year, with the average loss being approximately $900 per offense.  Total burglary losses nationwide are over $3 billion each year!

Before leaving on your family vacation this summer, consider the following security precautions:

• Arrange for a friend or neighbor to bring in mail, newspapers and other deliveries.  Or, arrange to cancel all deliveries.
• Arrange to have your pet fed, watered, and walked at home rather than kept at a kennel.
• If you have a second car, arrange to have it moved occasionally.
• Schedule to have your lawn work done during your absence.
• Arrange for safe storage of furs, jewelry, and other valuables outside the home while your are away.
• If you have an alarm system, have it checked before departing.
• Leave shades and drapes in the positions they would normally be in if you were home.
• If a neighbor is not available, use a dependable and trustworthy house sitter.
• Leave a trip itinerary with someone so that you can be notified in case of an emergency.
• Consider organizing a neighborhood patrol service for use during your absence.  Agree to return the favor to neighbors while they are away
• Notify police or sheriff of your absence, providing them with the names of house sitters or neighbors who will be helping and those who have possession of keys to your home.
• Last item before departure; check to see that all doors and windows are locked and that you have taken all necessary keys.

Attorney General's Office
Consumer Protection Division
2115 State Capitol Building
Lincoln, NE  68509
(402) 471-2682
Consumer Protection Line:  800-727-6432