How can I secure my apartment when I’m away for the holidays?

Thankfully, only 11 percent of the nation’s 2-million-plus break-ins happen in the Northeast, and New York City has seen a 41 percent drop in burglaries in the past ten years. While a security system, four padlocks and a dead bolt seem like good protection against these rare city invasions, they should be the last line of defense. As Epic Security president and Ph.D. criminologist Mark Lerner points out, “Simply make your place appear like it’s occupied and you’ll discourage thieves.” He goes on to suggest having your mail service temporarily suspended—nothing tips off a would-be burglar to an empty home like the sight of a stuffed mailbox or letter-littered vestibule. Keep your shades open and invest in a light timer ($39.95, at homecontrols.com) for each room in your apartment, to further the illusion of occupancy. “Make sure they’re variable timers,” advises Lerner. “You don’t want lights going off and on at regular intervals. Burglars can spot that.” If you want to take an extreme approach, hire an ingenious 11-year-old to deploy a series of deadly (yet hilarious!) traps throughout your apartment. Merry Christmas!