Should I chain my gate when I am away? It usually left open.?

The last thing you want to do is leave a big sign that says "Hey, You there burglar or bored teen no one is in this house right now think this dumb lock and chain will keep you out?"

Better to invest in the electrical timers - very inexpensive - that mimic your movement in the home on a normal evening. Also let the local police department and a neighbor know you will be away and give them a number to contact you in the event of an emergancy. Newspaper and mail should be rerouted. If you will be a great distance away leave the key with a trusted friend or relative.

http://www.electricshopping.com/shop/shop.do?pID=1...

If you never have the problem of prowlers before. you should`nt I leave my home alot, but I have family close by so it is not a probs, but I try to leave lights on somtimes. in your case if you have a neighbour ou can trust but not enough to go inside , Leave on a radio load enough but not loud to disturb anyone. I know someone who does that, if you can`t ask your neighbour to put on a portable radio somwhere close to your house somtimes. I agree with your neighour about the chain. maybe when you get back you can get a chain and start leaving it for the future. enjoy your holidays.

it is not a bad idea to lock things up... but keep in mind, that it is very easy to climb over a fence... i do it about 5 or 6 times a day in my profession...

your outdoor lights should be on motion sensors, so that they come on when someone comes near your home...

you should have the post office hold your mail...

you should have someone come by and check that there are no fliers piling up on your front steps...