CHECK THE LOCKS

1. Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt lock.
2. Sliding glass doors offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door. A commercially available "jimmy bar" is even better than a broomstick or dowel. To prevent the door from being lifted off the track, drill a hole through the sliding doorframe and the fixed frame. Then insert a pin in the hole. Another method is to drill a hole in the top of the track and then place a screw with a rounded head (pan head) into the hole. This will serve as a stop when properly adjusted and will prevent the doors from being lifted out of its tracks.
3. Lock double-hung windows with key locks or "pin" windows by drilling a small hole into a 45 degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed. Secure basement windows with grilles or grates.
4. Use dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors. If the dead-bolt lock is within 40 inches of a window, use a double cylinder type dead bolt lock. A double cylinder dead bolt lock requires the use of a key on either side of the door.
5. Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
6. When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.

CHECK THE DOORS

A lock on a flimsy door is about as effective as locking your car door but leaving the window down.

1. All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
2. Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door. Door chains break easily and don't keep out intruders.

1. Thieves hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
2. Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it doesn't hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.
3. Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
4. If you travel, create the illusion that you're at home by getting some timers that will turn lights on an off in different areas of your house throughout the evening. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal an empty house.
5. Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in their normal positions. And don't let your mail pileup! Call the post office to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick it up.
6. Make a list of your valuables -- VCRs, stereos, computers, jewelry, etc. Take photos of the items, list their serial numbers, and descriptions.

Alarms can be a good investment especially if you have many valuables in your home, live in an isolated area, or live in an area with a history of break-ins.

1. Check with several companies before you buy so you can decide what level of security fits your needs. Do business with an established company and check references before signing a contract.
2. Learn how to use your system properly! Don't "cry wolf" by setting off false alarms. People will stop paying attention, and you'll probably be fined.
3. Some less expensive options:
   • A sound detecting socket that plugs into a light fixture and makes the light flash when it detects certain noises
   • Motion sensing outdoor lights that turn on when someone approaches
   • Lights with photo cells that turn on when it's dark and off when it's light.

Burglars can commit rapes, robberies, and assaults if they are surprised by someone coming home or if they pick a home that is occupied.

1. If something looks questionable -- a slit screen, a broken window or an open door -- don't go in. Call the police from a neighbor's house or a public phone.
2. At night if you think you hear someone breaking in, leave safely if you can and then call the police. If you can't leave, lock yourself in a room with a phone and call police. If an intruder is in your room, pretend you are asleep.
3. Guns are responsible for many accidental deaths in the home every year. Think carefully before buying a gun. If you do own one, learn how to store it and use it safely. Many people buy guns with the idea that they wouldn't want to kill an intruder but would rather just wound them. Unfortunately, most people are not proficient with a weapon, particularly under great stress. If you own a gun for safety purposes, you must accept the possibility of taking a life when forced to use it.

1. Join a Neighborhood Watch group. If one doesn't exit, you can start one with help from our Crime Prevention Unit.
2. Never leave a message on your answering machine that indicates you may be away from home. Rather than saying, "I'm not at home right now," say, "We're not available right now." Never indicate that only one person lives there. Another popular message with safety in mind is, "You have reached '555-1234'. Leave your name and number and your call will be returned." Male voiced messages are recommended when possible.
3. Work with neighbors and the police department to organize community clean-ups. The cleaner your neighborhood, the less attractive it is to crime.

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