ARE YOUR DOORS LOCKED AT ALL TIMES?
It sounds simple, but in nearly half of all home burglaries, intruders
break into homes through an unlocked, inside garage, or patio door.
Be sure to lock your doors, even if you’re just “running to the store
or to a neighbor’s house.”
DO YOU KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS?
Get to know your neighbors! Knowing your neighbors as friendly,
caring neighbors can be a first line of defense against burglaries,
as neighbors can watch out for suspicious activity in your neighbor-
hood. Join a Neighborhood Watch group if it’s available, and start
one if necessary! Find out more from the National Crime Prevention
Counsel at http://www.ncpc.org.
IS YOUR HOME SHIELDED FROM YOU BY SHRUBBERY?
Trimmed trees and hedges give intruders fewer places to hide,
or be concealed from view when an intrusion is attempted
YOUR OUTSIDE LIGHTS UP TO PAR?
Burned-out exterior lights signal to the burglar that the homeowner
may be away; and thieves generally target homes with burned-out
or generally insufficient outdoor lighting. Consider upgrading your
outdoor light fixtures with devices that have built-in motion detectors
that turn on the lights whenever anyone walks past, or schedule
lighting with a routine that matches dawn and dusk of the time of year.
DO YOU HAVE A SECURITY SYSTEM?
Homes without security systems are about three times more likely
to be broken into than those without. 90% of security agencies
believe alarm systems deter burglary attempts. Losses due to
burglaries average $400 less in residences with security systems
than those without.
HIDE YOUR KEYS IN THE USUAL PLACES?
Be careful with your keys. Many burglaries don’t require forcible
entry. Don’t hide your keys in the mailbox; don’t leave a spare key
over the doorway; and never leave your house keys under the mat.
These are very common hiding places, and thieves know where to look.
