The Orlando Sentinel reported on November 11, 2008 that thieves have been actively targeting the Central Florida vacation home market.

As the economy enters deeper into recession and unemployment increases, breaking into Orlando holiday homes becomes a way of making extra cash for criminals.

Vacation villas are popular with thieves, as they are often vacant. Moreover, if they are in fact occupied by renters, during the daytime hours they make an easy target while renters are at the theme parks for their vacation in Orlando.

So what is a vacation home renter to do? Like anything in life, there are no guarantees, but one option could be renting a vacation home in Orlando in a gated and guarded community. This does help control the type of traffic into a vacation home community. Second, you could rent a home with an alarm system. When reserving a home, we recommend that you ask what type of security is provided and available for the home you rent. Our blog’s community ratings area does indicate which Kissimmee vacation home communities are gated and/or guarded.

Some subdivisions have also begun to put up 24/7 surveillance cameras to monitor all traffic and record licenses plates. When signs displaying such surveillance are clearly posted, they can act as an active crime deterrent. If you are a homeowner, you may wish to install an alarm system in your residence and encourage your community association to put up some type of surveillance system.

Homeowners may also want to check their insurance policy and make sure theft is fully covered on their home owner’s insurance policy. In addition, renters may want to be sure and travel with a good personal vacation insurance policy of their own.