- Make your home look occupied.
- Use automatic timers on lamps.
- Leave a TV or radio on.
- Lock all doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed.
- Install deadbolts if you don’t have them.
- Install solid doors.
- Secure windows and sliding doors
- Utilize wooden stakes inside door/window frame to prevent them from being opened from the outside.
- Make sure door hinges are on the inside.
- Close bedroom drapes and/or blinds.
- Make sure you have adequate exterior lighting.
- Install motion detectors on the exterior of your home and garage/shed.
- Trim trees and shrubs so they can’t be used to conceal burglars.
- Never leave a spare house key under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes, or other secret hiding places.
- Don’t tempt a thief.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Lawn mowers, snow blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
- Cover garage and basement windows with curtains.
- Don’t put empty boxes out for trash pick up from new items recently purchased. (TV’s, Computers, etc.)
- Consider installing an alarm system.
- Mark your valuables with an engraver or a permanent marker.
- Make a property identification list and keep in safe place or another location.
- Note model and serial numbers on list.
- Make photocopies of credit cards.
- Obtain licenses for bikes.
- Work with your neighbors and look out for one another.
- Communicate often; get to know your neighbor’s schedule and share your schedule with them.
- Attend regular block watch meetings.
- Report suspicious persons to police immediately.
- If someone or something looks questionable, report it.
- Look for unfamiliar subjects on bikes or foot. Oftentimes burglars in these cases will be carrying backpacks.
- Look for slow moving cars.
- If you can do so safely:
- Get a description of the vehicle, the driver, and occupant(s).
- Try to obtain a license plate number.
- If someone knocks on your door and you don't feel comfortable opening it, make sure they know you are home. Yell through the door that you are calling the police. If you don't let them know you are home, they may try to break in.
- To avoid solicitors coming to your residence, get a sign that states, "No Soliciting".
- If you are comfortable opening your door, always ask for credentials of solicitor(s) selling a product or service.
- Don’t make posts on social networking sites which inform others when you will not be home.
- When away from home for an extended period:
- Make your home look as it usually does when you are there. Ask a neighbor to open and close drapes and blinds as you do.
- Do not let deliveries accumulate (i.e. mail, newspapers, circulars, etc.)
- Lower the volume of your telephone ringer so a prowler will be less likely to hear an answered call.
- Avoid leaving a message on your answering machine that indicates you are not home.
- Inform the police and trusted neighbors that you will be gone for an extended time.