Burglary Prevention Tips

* 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, snow blowers, 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 Your Home Is Broken Into:

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. It can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.

* Consider installing a burglar alarm system.

The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes!

Remember the three L's of Crime Prevention: LIGHTS, LOCKS & the LAW!

Light up your residence, lock your doors at all times, and call the Law when you see something suspicious
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.