| • |
Check
doors at night and lock all windows. |
| • |
Get
a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog
and go out of town, have a friend you trust come in to care for
your dog in your home. |
| • |
Plant
thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near
door and windows to eliminate hiding places for thieves. |
| • |
Don't
hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. |
| • |
Use
a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals
as though your home is still occupied when you aren't home. |
| • |
Keep
large amounts of cash or valuable jewelry in a safe deposit box. |
| • |
Lock
the door and take the key with you, even if you are just stepping
next door or out mowing the backyard. |
| • |
Keep
any tools that could be used to break into your house, like a ladder,
safely locked away in a garage or shed. |
| • |
If
someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the
call yourself. Don't invite them in. |
| • |
Protect
lights to prevent breakage or tampering. |
| • |
Install
adequate locks and frames on all ground-level windows. |
| • |
Have
the serial numbers available of all valuable items. |
| • |
Light
up your neighborhood. Leave outdoor lights on all night, at both
the front and rear of your home. Encourage your neighbors to do
the same -- it serves as a deterrent. |
| • |
Put
your purse, wallet, money and other valuables out of plain sight. |
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