Summer beckons with promises of sunshine, relaxation, and getaways. But as you pack your bags and head for vacation bliss, don't forget about your summer home. Empty houses can be targets for opportunistic thieves. Here are some simple steps to ensure your summer sanctuary stays secure while you're soaking up the rays elsewhere.

Firstly, enlist the help of a trusted neighbor. Ask them to keep an eye on your property, collect mail and flyers, and perhaps even park a car in your driveway occasionally. In addition, consider investing in smart home security features. Smart locks allow you to remotely grant access to service people (like house cleaners or pet sitters) and check if doors are securely locked. Smart security cameras with motion detection can provide peace of mind and even send alerts to your phone if unusual activity is detected.