Burglar-Proof Your Home
Burglars break in to 65,000 American homes per year. That’s a scary statistic, but you don’t have to become part of it if you know how to protect yourself, your family and your valuables.
Never leave keys in hiding places outside the house. It’s a burglar’s job to know where to look. Place an extra key outside in a lockbox.
Always keep your garage door closed and locked. Don’t leave it open the three inches for the cat to go in and out. If the cat can crawl under it, so can a burglar.
Plant prickly, thorny shrubs or bushes under windows to discourage prowlers.
Install motion triggered lights around corners of the home.
When you’re away, be sure to make it look as if someone’s home—put some inside lamps on a timer. Ask a neighbor to pick up your newspapers and mail. Arrange to have your lawn cut while you’re away.
Install a solid core or metal-clad door fitted with both inside hinge pins and a minimum one-inch throw deadbolt lock.
If you must have decorative window panels on either side of a door, be sure that they’re made of unbreakable glass.
Doors with windows require a double key deadbolt. The key to a double key deadbolt should be left in the lock at all times when someone is home, in case of a fire or emergency.
Secure garage doors with cane bolts and hasp
Install a peep hole in the front door.
Engrave all valuables with your social security number. Engravers are available from each Crime Prevention Unit for a modest deposit fee.
Record the home address, social security number, and telephone number with the Police Department and this information will be put onto the NCIC computer system. Confiscated property can then be traced back to the owner.
Make a videotape of your valuables
Even if you can’t afford a burglar alarm or a security service, you can still put a sticker in a window indicating that you do have an alarm.
Pull drapes and shades at night. Leaving them open leaves you and your belongings are clearly visible.