A Word From The Publisher

'Tis the season to be jolly, "as they say. However, this is also the time of year for burglars as well as holiday shopping, visiting family and friends, or travel. This is the most vulnerable time for homeowners experts say.

"People are busy and distracted," said Ray Palermo, director of public relations for Response Insurance. He offered a few precautions to help prevent homeowners from falling victim to thieves during this time of year:

- Start by making a full exterior examination of your house. Make sure all locked doors and window have a tight fit when closed. Check to see if there is any "wiggle room" that could give a thief enough space to jimmy it open. Walk around your whole property to ensure there is nothing that can be used to climb to upper floors. Look in your windows to make sure blinds are positioned to screen the interior view, but not closed completely. You may want to move any computers and TVs away from prying eyes. Never leave an "emergency key" hidden outside your house.

- Always leave your home in a secure state, regardless of the amount of time you expect to be away. A burglar watching your house is capable of taking what he wants in a few carefully planned moments.

- When you are away from the house, particularly for an extended period, be sure to make it look lived-in. Put timers on a few lights at varied times; put a timer on a radio set to a talk-radio station; install a dusk/dawn outside light or motion detector; ask a neighbor to pick up your mail and any circulars that might pile up on your doorstep; and stop delivery of newspapers or other mail.

- In many instances installing a home alarm system will give you protection, a sense of calm and even a discount on your homeowner's insurance.

- Walk around the interior of your home and inventory your major possessions. An easy way is to place valuables out on tables and videotape your house, room-to-room of all furniture, paintings and other possessions. Place the list, any photos/video you took, and perhaps the valuables themselves, in a safe, separate location.