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.