- Record all serial numbers of electronics (phones, televisions, VCRs, video games, power tools, lawn equipment, etc). Use an address book to organize these. When purchasing these items don’t put the empty boxes at the curb. A 60’ TV box means a 60’ TV is inside, and new!
- Secure your garbage toter.
- Do not assume any first floor window is too high for someone to get in. Look for hose outlets, electric meters, gas inlets, or molding that someone could stand on. Can I reach the window if I use your garbage tote/ outdoor furniture, etc?
- Be sure deadbolt extends at least 1 ½ inches into doorframe.
- Use long screws to secure locks into the doorframe. (3”)
- Make sure wood around the lock receiver is in good shape and use a metal strike plate.
- Can deadbolt be reached/turned if a small window is broken or opened?
- If you use the double sided key deadbolt, keep key nearby, but in unusual spot (not hanging on the wood molding, right next to the lock! Go for lower position)
- Be sure you have a way to see who is at the door before you open it (peephole, nearby window). Direct to other door if not. Don’t ignore violators of this.
- Lock your door, even when mowing/ shoveling etc.
- Light your yard at night. (60 watt, 300 hours/month= 99 cents.)
- If you have storm doors, use them. If locks are broken, install latch.
- Secure basement windows. Glass block runs about $125 a window, $2 for 2×4’s.
- Use “Charley-Bar” on sliding glass doors and windows.
- Use pins on vinyl windows to leave open.
- On wood windows, nails work in place of pins.
- Make sure air conditioner cannot be pushed in or pulled out.
- Never bar bedroom windows.
- Use curtains, drapes, or blinds on first floor windows, especially near holidays.
- Secure second floor windows if they can be accessed from porch, attached garage or other low roof, large tree branches, etc.
- Keep shrubs below window level.
- Make sure house numbers are highly visible and in usual spot.
- Consider installing an alarm or even just putting the signs up.
- If you have an alarm- use it, always.
- Clean alarm panel: code may be obvious by which numbers are dirty.
- Make sure your alarm company has updated info.
- Make sure the alarm panel isn’t visible from a door or window.
- Hide true valuables in kid’s rooms or basements—burglars don’t generally look there. Kitchen, living room, bathroom and master bedroom-first hit.
- Get to know neighbors behind you.
- Keep cell charger on nightstand so cell phone is at your bedside at night.
- Keep car keys on nightstand if you have keyless entry. You can hit the panic button if you awake to something happening.
- Dog walkers notice things; don’t be afraid to call neighbors to report something.
- Know your mailman by name.
- Burglars don’t always look like crooks; they may have been to your house before for delivery or yard maintenance.
- Leaving a TV or radio on can serve as a good burglar deterrent.
- Dogs are great deterrents.
- Use a baby monitor in areas you are concerned about.