1. Be Smart, Be Safe

312. Burglarproof Your Home

Since most home burglaries are the work of amateurs, a house that’s easy to get into is more likely to be hit. Take these steps to prevent your house from being an easy mark.

1. •Inspect the locks on all exterior doors. Some locks can be opened easily with a screwdriver or plastic credit card. If your locks aren’t secure, replace them with single cylinder deadbolt locks. Bolts should be at least 1 inch long and anchored into strike plates which in turn are anchored by 3- or 4-inch screws.
   

2. •Install outside lighting around the house. Consider using motion sensor lights.
   

3. •Consider installing an alarm system.
   

4. •Keep bushes in front of windows trimmed, to make it difficult for a burglar to hide when attempting to break in.
   

5. •Engrave your driver’s license number on your stereo, television, and other valuables. This identification marking makes it harder to sell items and makes tracing them easier.
   

6. •Join a neighborhood watch group.
   

7. •Contact your local police department for further advice for making your home safe.
   

If you’re going to be away from home for several days.

1. •Notify trustworthy neighbors and ask them to watch your house. Leave a key with them and ask them to periodically check the house.
   

2. •Discontinue delivery of mail and newspapers.
   

3. •Ask someone to mow the lawn or shovel your walks while you’re gone so the house looks occupied.
   

4. •Use automatic light timers, preset to keep the house well-lit during the evening. And leave a radio preset to a 24-hour-a-day news or talk station.
   

5. •Let the police know you’ll be gone and ask them to periodically check for signs of attempted entry or other suspicious activity.