CORTLAND, NY (607NewsNow) – Vacant homes are prime targets for break-ins.

The Cortland Police Department is reminding residents and college students preparing to leave town for the holidays or winter break to take steps to keep their homes safe.

Cortland PD advises locking every door and window, making the house look lived in, managing mail and packages, hiding or securing valuables, and asking a trusted neighbor or friend to check on your home periodically.

Additionally, officers say security systems, if they’re available, are very effective, as well as exterior timed or motion-sensor lighting. Do not advertise your absence on social media.

Any suspicious behavior should be reported to the Cortland Police Department at (607) 753-3001. SUNY Cortland classes end on Friday. Finals at Cortland and TC3 wrap up on December 12.

In related news, fall semester classes at Cornell end on December 8. Big Red students will study for several days before finals, which run from November 12 through November 20.

Over on South Hill, Ithaca College classes wrap up on November 11, and the last day of finals is November 17.