-
Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
-
Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
-
Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
-
Keep your garage door closed and locked.
-
Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
-
Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
-
Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
-
Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
-
Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
-
Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
Don’t Tempt a Thief:
-
Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight
-
Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
-
Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
-
Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”
Locks…Get the Best:
-
No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your situation.
-
Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
-
When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
Targeting the Outside:
-
Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
-
Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
-
Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
Windows:
-
Most windows can be pinned for security.
-
Drill a 3/16″ hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame – place a nail in the hole to secure the window.
Alarms:
-
An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
-
Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you.
-
If you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system — Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them.
-
Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
-
Do not enter – the perpetrator may still be inside.
-
Use a neighbor’s phone to call police.
-
Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
-
Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
-
Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.
Other precautions you should take:
-
Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
-
Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home — this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
-
Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.
-
Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 immediately.
-
Mark your valuables with your driver’s license number with an engraver you can borrow from your precinct. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
-
Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.
-
Consider installing a burglar alarm system.
Tips on how to avoid car break-ins:
-
Do not leave valuables in plain view:
(GPS devices, lap tops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3’s, wallets, purses) -
Do not leave windows or sunroof open.
-
Do not leave doors unlocked.
-
Do not leave keys in the vehicle.
-
Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view.
-
Do not leave out items with personal information.
-
Do not move valuable items to the trunk while in public view.
-
Slow Down and use common sense before you leave your car.