I'm going on vacation for a month and I don't want to come home to a squatter having took possession of my home, what can I do to protect myself?
a) Install a security system and have a trusted neighbor check on your home regularly.
b) Hire a house sitter to stay in your home while you're away.
c) Notify your local police department of your absence and ask them to patrol your neighborhood.
d) Install motion sensor lights and secure all entrances to your home before leaving.