It's seems too simple but one of the easiest ways to keep a thief out of your
house is make sure all the doors and windows are locked. Most thieves are opportunistic so keep their
opportunities to a minimum and follow these tips. And don't forget to take photos of your possessions just
case you have to file a claim.
While you are taking steps to secure your home, don't forget your
car. Don't leave valuables in plain sight and keep the doors locked.
Put a deadbolt on all outside doors if possible
Install a heavy duty strike plate for the frame
Put one or 2 lights on a timer for evening hours
Make your house appear occupied by putting a radio on a timer to play during the day
Put motion sensor lights on the exterior of the home
Always lock doors and windows
Do not hide a key under the doormat, in a potted plant next to the door or in a hide-a-key fake rock near the entrance.
Have newspapers and mail collected by a neighbor or stopped when leaving the house overnight
Offer a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone
Secure sliding doors by placing a cut-off broom handle or other wooden pole into the track to prevent the door from being lifted out
If you have a doggie door that is no longer being used, secure it
Trim bushes around windows and doors so that a would-be thief cannot hide while trying to break into your lock.
Plant thorny or spiny shrubbery under windows to deter a thief
Tell a trusted neighbor when you will be out of town so that they can watch for suspicious activity on your property
Do not advertise that you are not at home on social networking web sites
Do not advertise how much stuff you have by leaving the garage door open all day or tools and bicycles lying in the yard
Install a security system and set it
Place security signs in your yard and security stickers on your doors and windows
Inquire if your local police or sheriff offers free security evaluations and schedule an appointment
Keep your blinds and drapes closed when you are not at home
Start a neighborhood watch committee
Go to the Humane Society and adopt a dog
TIP: Take photos of all possessions that would be desirable to steal. Note model and serial numbers for high-end electronics. Store these photos someplace safe in case you are a victim of a break-in.
