says to a thief this is an empty house like newspapers and mail piling up and that means they will not be caught.
these are plugged into the wall and then lamps, televisions and radios can be connected into them and set to turn on and off at certain times. this will give the appearance that the family is at home.
this is something that should be done each season. check all the door and window locks and replace any that are not in good working order.
enough that no one can see in, when you are home, this way when no one is at home it will not seem out of place. 