When you go on vacation, thieves go to work.

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The FBI says July and August are the busiest months of the year for home break-ins, and Carolyn Gorman with the Insurance Information Institute says these days burglars may be after more than your valuables.

They can steal your identity, too.

Gorman says they can go through your personal papers, or they can simply take your family's personal computer, which most likely contains a wealth of information that could be used to steal from you.

So, when you leave, be sure to turn off your computer and disconnect it from the Internet.

And make it tough for anyone to get at the computer -- or anything else in your home.

That means be sure to lock your doors -- Gorman says you'd be surprised how many people forget to do that in their haste to get out of town.

If you have dead bolt locks, engage them to make the work of a burglar more difficult.

Here are a few more tips to keep your home safe and secure while you're on vacation:

Ask trusted friends or neighbors to watch your house.

Give your house-sitter your cell phone number or some other phone number where you can reached.

Have your house-sitter pick up your mail and newspapers. Do not stop delivery of those services.

Ask a neighbor to park his or her car in your driveway to give the house a lived-in appearance.

Set a few household lights on timers, both inside and out.

Hire someone to mow the lawn if you're going to be away for an extended period of time.

Don't hide spare keys outside your home. Burglars know where to look.