KEEP TRACK OF YOUR KEYS: Do not leave a key under a doormat, flower pot or on a window ledge. That's the first place burglars look.
KEEP GARAGE DOORS CLOSED AND LOCKED: A locked garage door help protect valuable property stored in your garage. Curtains or blinds on garage windows also help protect against people seeing valuables inside. If you are going to be gone for any length of time, consider disconnecting electric door opener or putting a padlock on the garage door track.
WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS: Even when at home, out for a walk or sleeping use your window and door locks.
PARK A CAR IN YOUR DRIVE: If you have a second car leave it in your driveway, if not, let a neighbor park there. This gives the appearance of an occupied house.
BE AWARE OF "BEWARE" SIGNS: Signs that say you have an alarm system deter thieves. However, you should not use "Beware of Dog" signs. You may be admitting that you are liable if your dog bites someone, even if that someone is a burglar.
HAVE YOUR LAWN AND WALKS TAKEN CARE OF: Dry, uncut grass says you are away, but thick and tall unkempt shrubbery, provides cover for burglars and lets them work undetected.
DO NOT LET DELIVERIES ACCUMULATE: Have a neighbor pick up mail, newspapers, packages and circular's daily or just have deliveries stopped so they do not pile up.
HAVE A NEIGHBOR USE YOUR GARBAGE CANS: Empty garbage cans can be a sign that you are away.
CONSIDER BUYING A BURGLAR ALARM SYSTEM: They vary from a simple door alarm that makes noise, to a silent alarm linked to a law enforcement Agency.
DO NOT KEEP VALUABLE JEWELRY AT HOME: Keep it along with other small valuables and important documents, in a safe deposit box.
CONSULT A GOOD LOCKSMITH: Different kinds of doors and windows require different kinds of locks. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks are recommended.
LEAVE A RADIO ON: Connect a radio or even a TV, to a timer so it comes on at different times. It says someone is home.
ADDITIONAL SECURITY HINTS:
SECURE PATIO DOORS: A pin-type lock or a key lock works best, a steel rod can be inserted in the door channel. Put two or three screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of lifting the door out of the track.
GET AUTOMATIC TIMERS: They help by turning lights on and off in different rooms at designated times. Or you can leave lights on in one or two interior rooms.
LIGHT THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE: Especially near doors and in the rear of the house. Make sure that the lights shine on the house and do not blind neighbors who are keeping an eye on your house.
ADJUST THE VOLUME OF YOUR TELEPHONE RINGER: By turning it to the lowest level or off, a prowler will be less likely to hear an unanswered call.
PUT PEEPHOLES IN DOORS: Install the type with a magnifying glass lens so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
LEAVE DRAPES AND SHADES OPEN:Make your home look as it usually does even when you are not there. Ask a neighbor to open and close drapes as you do.
MARK VALUABLE ITEMS WITH AN ENGRAVING PENS Marking target items thieves are more prone to steal, stereos and TVs, will help police trace them.
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