Make sure exterior door hinges are on the inside rather
than the outside to prevent an intruder from removing the pins
and pulling the door out of the frame.
If you have double-hung windows, bolt the upper and
lower sashes together or insert a metal bar in the track to prevent opening.
To secure sliding glass doors, add a bolt lock or use a "charley bar"
to block the door closed.
Use bars to secure basement or garage doors and add bars to basement windows.
Make sure the emergency pull rope for your automatic garage door opener is working properly, but that the rope can not be fished out from the outside.
Most home burglaries occur between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm,
so get in the habit of always locking all doors and windows whenever you go out.
Invest in high-quality, name-brand deadbolt locks for all exterior doors.
If you have a double-cylinder deadbolt that is operated by a key both
inside and out, keep the key near the door so every
family member can find it and exit quickly in case of a fire.
Alarm systems are an effective deterrent.
Nine of ten convicted burglars agree they'd avoid a house protected by an alarm system.
Make sure your security system includes a loud inside alarm,
detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in
the master bedroom and main living areas.
Never leave an answering machine message indicating you are not at home.
Use timers to turn lights, televisions and sound systems on and off at different times to give your home a "lived-in" look when you are away.
Install motion-detecting lights around your home.
If there's a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community, join it.
Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to your local police.
Get to know your neighbors.
If you have elderly friends or relatives, check to make sure their security devices are all in good working order.
Some burglars scan newspapers for wedding and funeral announcements and special community and holiday events that might take you away from home.
Don't let mail, newspapers or flyers accumulate while you're away.
Don't leave valuables in sight through windows where they will tempt burglars.
Use an etching pen to ID your valuables.
Make an inventory of valuables in your home and store it somewhere other than your home, such as in a safe deposit box.
Leave curtains slightly parted so your house doesn't have an empty look.
Never open the door to a stranger Install peepholes in all exterior doors.
Do not rely on safety chains. They are easily broken.
Ask for ID from service representatives who come to your home.
Have someone mow your lawn, rake leaves and shovel snow while you're away.
Prune overgrown trees and shrubs to eliminate hiding places for intruders.
Many garage door openers respond to a common "default" code, so follow the manufacurer's instructions to program your own unique code.
Keep your garage door locked at all times, preferably with a deadbolt.
Thieves always look in mailboxes, under doormats and above doorways for keys. Don't make it easy for them to get into your home.
Don't put your name or address on your keyring, because it might lead a thief right to your door.
When having a car parked or serviced, leave only the car keys.
If there's any chance a previous resident might still have keys to your house, re-key the locks.
