Do you own a second home? Perhaps a bungalow on the beach, or a cabin in the mountains? Do you rent this property out during certain times of the year? If so, you are among the 7.5 million homeowners across the U.S. who own a second property.

While it is great to have a second home to escape to during certain times of the year, what about the times when you aren’t there? Have you done everything possible to secure and protect your investment? To help put your mind at ease, use the tips here to secure your vacation home.

Let the police know when you aren’t there. The local police department will want to know when your property is going to be vacant. When you provide this information, they will increase patrols in the area to help improve security.

Get to know your neighbors. When it comes to protecting your property, you don’t have a better ally than your neighbors. Speak with these people about when you will be away and ask them just to watch for any odd activity. Make sure they have your contact information in case they ever notice anything going on.

Make it look as though someone is there. If your home looks empty, then it is going to become a target. If you live close enough to visit from time to time, make sure to handle things such as mowing the lawn, raking leaves and shoveling snow. If you aren’t close enough to do this, there are services that can handle it for you. Also, a dark home is a target. Consider installing timers on your lights so they come on at different times during the day and night.

Install a home security or alarm system. The best way to protect your vacation home is by installing a quality security system. Consider using one that offers remote access, as this will allow you to “check in” when you are away.

With the tips here, you can easily secure your vacation home and have peace of mind that it will remain secure while you are away.