Burglarproof Your Home

Don’t be an easy target for thieves.

Most home burglaries are the work of amateurs who are looking for a quick in and out. Make it look like someone is at home, especially while you are away.

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Dos:

•  Inspect all locks on exterior doors. If they can be opened with a screwdriver or a credit card, replace them with single cylinder deadbolt locks.

•  Install outside lighting with motion sensors around the house and garage.

•  Consider installing an alarm system. Make sure the sign for it can be easily seen from the street.

•  Close and lock windows. Put a metal or wooden rod between windows and frames, especially in door walls.

•  Keep shrubs in front of windows no higher than three feet tall. This makes it hard for a burglar to hide in them.

•  Engrave a personal contact code on your TV and other valuables to make them harder to sell and easier to trace.

•  Join or start a neighborhood watch group.

If your home will be vacant for several days or longer:

•  Ask a relative or a neighbor you trust to watch your house. Consider leaving a key with one of them and ask them to do a periodic walk-through.

•  Put a stop on delivery of mail and newspapers.

•  Arrange for someone to mow the lawn or clear snow from the driveway and sidewalk. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.

•  Preset automatic light timers to keep the house   well-lit during the evening and make it look like someone is home.

•  Keep a radio on while you are gone. Set it to a 24-hour news or talk station.

•  Find out if your local police department keeps a “vacant house list.” This alerts police to drive by and check on your house if you are gone for a week or longer.

Action Step

Store valuable items in places not easily seen. As an extra preventive measure, put valuable jewelry in a bank safety deposit box.

This website is not meant to substitute for expert medical advice or treatment. Follow your doctor’s or health care provider’s advice if it differs from what is given in this guide.

 

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