In “Home Alone,” Kevin McCallister is left to defend hisfamily's home when two thugs attempt to break in on Christmas Eve,while the rest of the family is traveling overseas. While thelikelihood of an eight-year-old being left home alone for theholidays is a stretch, a home robbery during holiday travel is morelikely than you'd think.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Statistics,the number of long-distance trips by Americans increases by 54percent during the Thanksgiving travel period. The number rises by23 percent during Christmas and New Year's.

Burglars can take advantage of this to break into homes.According to Nationwide claims data over the past three years,there were almost 15,000 home thefts in the peak holiday travelmonths of November, December and January. As homeowners travelacross long distances and for extended periods of time, they leavethemselves more vulnerable to the occurrence of home theft.

Locking doors, installing a home security system, refrainingfrom promoting your travel online, putting a hold on newspaper andmail delivery, and informing your neighborhood watch program areall good advice from Nationwide for agents to give clients. But,it's important to recognize that even if one takes all theseprecautions, a theft can still occur.

Nationwide encourages consumers to account for their possessionsbefore leaving on trips by creating a home inventory. Click “next”to see simple tips agents can give clients on taking inventory intheir homes before embarking on a holiday trip.

Use home inventory software. TheInsurance Information Institute has a free online program thatallows consumers to catalog all of their belongings. It isavailable HERE.

Move from room to room, listing items as yougo. Tell clients to consider using this order every timethey update their inventory. Remind them not to forget to includethe items in the basement, attic, garage, and any detachedstructures, such as a tool or storage shed.

Use credit card and checking accountstatements to confirm purchases if needed.

Look for manuals on the items that will helpwith model numbers and verification of ownership.

Work with your agents to complete theinventory. Advise clients to call or visit with you ifthey are unsure if an item is covered by their insurancepolicy.

Share the list with a trusted friend or familymember in the event they can't access the inventory, oradvise to keep a copy in a bank safe deposit box or other securelocation away from the home.

Update coverage. Make sure clientsshare the current inventory list, including new gifts, with theiragent to help them make sure that they have the coverage that theyneed.