You don’t have to be a crime expert to protect your home from burglars. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, either. You can make sure burglars don’t find “easy pickings” at your house by taking some, or all, of these steps:
- Keep your house locked, even when you’re in it! Windows too! If you move to a new home, change the locks.
- Never hide a key under the doormat, over the door or anyplace else. Instead, leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
- Be alert for suspicious characters in your neighborhood. If you’re not sure, call the police anyway.
- Don’t put your name on your mailbox.
- Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone callers.
- Don’t use an answering machine to proclaim your absence. Leave a message that you’re busy and will return the call soon.
- Make a complete inventory of all your possessions. Take photos, record purchase prices and dates, and jot down serial numbers of appliances. Store the completed inventory in your safe-deposit box. The better your inventory, the better your chances of recovering stolen items and receiving a full and prompt settlement from your insurance company.
- Mark your valuables permanently with an engraving tool. (Ask the police for information.)
- Place a warning sticker in your window to discourage burglars.
If you’re victimized, report your loss, however small, to the police. If you don’t, the police won’t be able to solve the crime or recover stolen items.
Support a “Town Watch” program in your community.