MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - With the rise in travel during the holiday season, there also tends to be a rise in home burglaries.

"Anytime that you're away from home, you're susceptible to theft," Lori Conarton, Communications Director for the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said.

And both Conarton and Meridian Township Police said it's important to take precautions to protect your property

"Make your place look lived in," Conarton said. "Don't let the snow pile up, don't let newspapers pile up, or your mail."

"People will notice if there's activity at your home," Lt. Greg Frenger, Services Division of the Meridian Township Police Department, said.

Conarton and Frenger say to set your lights on timers, stop your newspaper and mail, and lock all doors and windows before you leave for an extended period of time. Frenger also suggests having a neighbor watch your home. He said he does the same for his own neighbors


"I'll go park in their driveway overnight, I'll go check the house at different hours of course," Frenger said. "But certainly having vehicle tracks and footprints in the snow coming and going from the home is really an important part of making it look like someone is there."

Those who want extra security can sign up to have Meridian Township Police check their home while they're away.

"We only do it during the daytime normally because it's not safe to be walking around homes at night, but we'll walk around, check the doors, and make sure everything is secure," Frenger said.

With the popularity of social media, there is always the risk of someone using it for the wrong reason. Frenger said to not post when you leave for an extended period of time so that information doesn't end up in the wrong hands.

"it's just not a good idea to have that information out on a public forum where the wrong people can get ahold of it and consider breaking in your home," Frenger said. "A typical break in at daytime in a residential area starts with someone knocking at doors, and, if nobody answers, they'll go around to a secluded part of the yard and do a break-in."

Frenger said if you do answer the door, the person may ask for someone you are unfamiliar with. If something like that happens to you, and the person seems suspicious, he said call Meridian Township Police. Frenger also said a major target for thieves this time of year is snow blowers, and recommends keeping your garage door closed, even when you are home.