As the Fourth of July holiday weekend approaches, many Americansare making plans to be away for several days, and others are usingthe holiday to jump-start their vacations.

Most are good about securing indoor valuables — jewelry andelectronics, for example — but not as attentive to the items leftoutside.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of JusticeStatistics, you're more likely to be a victim of a burglaryduring the summer months, and thieves are looking both inside andoutside your home. Even if you have a “smart” home, you may not be fullyprotected.

“Empty homes offer thieves the perfect opportunity to stealvaluable goods, even if they don't step foot in your house,” saidHeather Bolyard, assistant vice president of claims support forspecialty insurer American Modern Insurance Group, headquartered inAmelia, Ohio. “Some of the most sought after items for burglars areactually located outside of the physical confines of your home,from air conditioning units and pool pumps, to recreationalbelongings such as bicycles.”

In June 2016, through Google, American Modern conducted a surveyof more than 500 adults living in the United States and found that31% don't take the time to secure property and personal itemslocated outside their homes. According to the survey, 42% were mostlikely to protect their electronics while 23% protected jewelry andwatches. Of those surveyed, only 18% protected outdoor orrecreational items.

Related: 25 ways to keep your auto and home safe fromthieves this summer

Bolyard said, “Some thieves are after materials that can be soldto scrappers or recyclers for quick cash, while others wantmoderately expensive items that can be sold online before an ownerrealizes they're gone. These items can include bicycles, sportingequipment, pool pumps and copper coils from air conditioningunits.”

Help your customers and policyholders protect their property bysharing these seven soft targets that thieves and vandals look formost often:

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1. Air-conditioning units

Thieves looking for scrap metal often target AC units becausemany have copper coils and other metal piping that's worth a lot ofmoney.

You should install bright, motion-activated security lightingnear your outdoor AC unit.

Related: What causes the most HVAC systems claims? You mightbe surprised

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2. Pool pumps

Your pool area should be fenced off and locked, to protectagainst thieves, vandals, uninvited “guests” and liability. If youcan't remove your pool pump and store it inside, make sure it's inan area covered by bright, motion-activated securitylighting even if you have the pump behind lockeddoors.

Related: 10 swimming pool insurance and safetytips

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3. Vacant properties and vacation homes

Vandals and hieves who are interested in scrap metal and vandalslove empty houses and vacation homes that are only used on weekendsor at certain times of the year.

• Keep vacant home doors and windows securely locked.
• Put interior lights on staggered timers and installmotion-activated exterior lights.
• Consider video cameras that you can monitor from your homecomputer or smartphone.

Related: Do I need insurance when renting a vacationhome?

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4. Unlocked sheds and garages

Reselling stolen tools and lawn equipment is a lucrativetrade.

• Make sure your shed and garage doors are locked at all times especially if you're working in the back yard and can'tmonitor them.
• Don't leave valuable tools or equipment outside.

Related: The 11 rules every homeowner needs to follow when creating a homeinventory

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5. Sports equipment

Summer is a great time to be more active perhaps playingtennis or riding bicycles with your family. Often, kayakers,surfers and water skiiers leave their equipment outside to dry offafter a session on the water, making the equipment attractive tothieves.

• Secure sporting goods inside your home, if you can.
• Keep sporting goods in heavy-duty, locked bins inside a lockedgarage or shed if you can't get them inside the house.

Related: Summer can be the riskiest time of theyear

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6. Bicycles

A thin bike chain or wheel lock won't deter many thieves. Somewill unbolt a chained wheel and carry away the rest of the bike. Ifthe chain is really flimsy, a thief could cut the chain and justride the bike away.

If you can't take your bike inside, make sure you use heavychains threaded through both wheels and the frame – and athick padlock to secure it to the rack.

Related: Going bicycling? Here's what you need to know about your coverage

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7. Vehicles and items left in them

According to several published reports, most experienced car thieves can steal your car in10 seconds or less. Breaking into your car to steal valuables mighttake as long as 20 seconds.

• Never leave loose items on the seats or dashboard, for example,your toll both pass, electronic door opener or parking garageaccess. Lock them in the glove box or trunk, or take them withyou.
• If you have a garage at home, use it for as many cars as youcan. If you have more cars than garage space, park the mostvaluable ones in the garage and use the others to blockaccess.
• If you must park on the street, install a loud alarm systemwith a visible, blinking dash light.
• You might also consider one of several anti-theft devices, forexample, something that locks the steering wheel or disables theignition.

Related: Modesto tops San Francisco with worst vehicle-theftrate in U.S.