Burglar-Proof Your Home -Helpful Tips
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.
l Never leave keys in hiding places outside the house.
l Always keep your garage door closed and locked. If the cat can crawl under it, so can a burglar.
l If you have bushes or hedges around your house, keep them well-trimmed so burglars can’t hide from the neighbors while trying to break in.
l Plant prickly, thorny shrubs or bushes under windows to discourage prowlers.
l Bright lights outside around all doors and window discourage break ins. Install motion triggered lights around corners of the home.
l Install a solid core or metal-clad door fitted with both inside hinge pins and a minimum one-inch throw deadbolt lock.
l If you must have decorative window panels on either side of a door, be sure that they’re made of unbreakable glass.
l Doors with windows require a double key deadbolt.
l Secure garage doors with cane bolts and hasps.
l Install a peep hole in the front door.
l Secure crank Windows by drilling a hole through the latch frame and handle, then insert a metal pin or nail through the hole to lock the window in place.
l Don’t forget to lock the doors when you leave.
l Visit the Crime Prevention Unit at your local police station.
l Place Operation Identification stickers on doors and windows.
l 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.
l Never carry duplicate sets of keys in your purse, briefcase or car. If your purse or car is stolen, which usually contains identification and home address, you might as well have just handed a key to the burglar personally.
l If you have a keypad garage door, reprogram the code.
l Never leave your garage door opener visible in your car.
l Never let strangers into your home. Never give out your address or phone number to strangers.