Home Security Tips

Take a walk around your home and look at it from a burglars point of view.

• Where would be the easiest place to break in?
• Where could you hide if a car approached?
• Is there a point of entry that is not easily seen from the street or a neighbor's window?

Making your home a less attractive target is the goal.  Security stickers and yard signs are a great way to make burglars look for an easier opportunity, but there are many things you can do to make your home more secure.

Home security - Doors, windows and locks

• Exterior doors should be metal or solid-core or 1 ¾ “ hardwood. Hollow doors should only be used for interior applications.
• Make sure each door fits snug in its frame with no more than 1/8” clearance. When locked, the door should close tightly with no wiggle room. If there is a gap between the door and the stop, the door is much easier to force open.
• Make sure all doors to the outside have good locks. Every door that leads to the out side should have locks including: screen and storm doors, garage doors, basement doors and sliding doors. Where applicable use deadbolts with a minimum of 1 ½” bolts
• Lock up every time you go out, even if you will only be gone a short time. Almost 50 percent of burglars enter homes or property through unlocked doors or windows.
• Never hide keys outside in a secret location. Burglars know where to look! Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor instead.
• Secure sliding glass doors with bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track.
• Make sure all windows, but especially those on the first floor, have good locks and make sure you use them.

Landscaping and lighting

• Make sure all entryways are well lit; Use 60 watt bulbs or brighter where possible. A well lit house is a less attractive target.
• Keep shrubs trimmed below windows to reduce cover. A burglar would rather enter through a window that is hidden from view than one where he is exposed.
• Exterior lighting equipped with motion detectors are available at most home improvement stores. Use them to scare off would be burglars.

Vacations and other tips

• Turn the ringer on the telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone
• Window air conditioning units should be bolted to the wall to prevent them from being easily removed from the outside.
• If you purchase televisions, computers, stereo equipment or similar items, dispose of the boxes in a discrete manner. Putting the empty carton on the curb, is like advertising your valuables to burglars.
• Use automatic timers to turn on lights and televisions at different times of the day. Leaving one or two lights on constantly is a sure sign that no one is home.

Have neighbors, friends or family pick up your mail, mow your lawn, use your garbage cans, and park in your driveway when you are away. Even if a burglar knows you are away, the activity around your home will act as a deterrent.

"Inexpensive Ways To Make Your Home Secure"

COMMON SENSE SECURITY

• Don't leave a ladder outside your home. Why make it easy for them



• Purchase a timer that will turn on your lights automatically and light up your house when you're away.


• If you are going to be gone for an extended period of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed, leaves raked. In the colder areas, you should have your drive and walks shoveled. Have your mail held at the post office.


• Have your paper delivery stopped until you come back.


• Don't leave notes on the door announcing your absence. A note saying you'll be back at 6:00 tells the thief he has plenty of time to ransack your home and take your possessions.


• When you are gone, leave your fan or AC on low so that the motor can still be heard. This says that you won't be gone long.


• When service men come to your home, ask for an ID and don't be afraid to call the company for verification.


• When you see a strange vehicle on your street jot down the license plate number. If you see strangers sitting in the vehicle, call the police and have them investigate.


• If you arrive home and find the door open, DO NOT go inside. Go to a neighbors house and call the police. Let them go inside first and make sure the intruders are not still there.


• Don't keep excess cash around the house, keep it in your bank accounts.


• Keep important papers and negotiable securities in a safe deposit box. A safe deposit box costs very little and quite often is free with your checking or savings account.


• Take pictures of your heirlooms and personal items for later identification.


• Mark all electronic equipment with a permanent etching of your name and drivers license number or social security number. This helps identify property and makes it hard for the thief to sell.