I hope someone can help me here....

7 months ago, we were given a Miniature Pinscher. He was 1 1/2 years old
when we got him and house broken.

The problem we are having with him, is the constant destruction when he
his left alone. As long as someone is in the house with him, he is
fine. But today I had to run some errands and my s/o was asleep when i
left, and upon returning home he had destructed a few things.( this is
unusual when someone is here).

We were given a crate, how do we go about training him to stay in it
when we have to go out ? This summer was easy, we dog proofed our porch
for him, but now that winter is here it's not as easy.

Any help given would be greatly appreciated !

Here is his pic:
http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/tally/Bailey2.jpg

Thank You !
Tally