| Just like other crimes, a burglary can be a | | | | your mail. You may even ask them to park in |
| totally random event. However, when it's | | | | your driveway while you're away. |
| planned, there are certain things a burglar | | | | |
| will look for when staking out a possible | | | | - Never leave a message on your answering |
| break-in, and there are steps the homeowner | | | | machine that says you're on vacation. |
| can take to minimize this risk. | | | | |
| | | | - Keep any shrubbery near your walkway or |
| This is a good checklist before leaving your | | | | entrance trimmed; removing any possible |
| home empty or for beefing up your protection | | | | hiding places. Think about planting cactus or |
| against theft: | | | | rosebushes under windows that may be |
| | | | especially vulnerable. |
| - Study your house from the street, and look | | | | |
| for any valuables that may be visible from | | | | - Advise your neighborhood watch that you'll |
| the street. Don't give thieves a reason to | | | | be away. |
| show up. | | | | |
| | | | - Ensure your security system is activated |
| - Before leaving for any length of time, | | | | when you leave. |
| ensure that all windows and doors are locked, | | | | |
| including the door to your garage. Many home | | | | - Etch your name on all electronic equipment |
| invasion robberies come through garage doors | | | | to serve as a deterrent as well as assisting |
| and inner doors to the houses. Doors should | | | | police in the recovery your property. It's |
| have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw | | | | more difficult to sell stolen property that |
| and reinforced strike plate. | | | | has the owners name on it. Make a video tape |
| | | | of your possessions and record the serial |
| - Place a piece of wood or metal in the track | | | | numbers. |
| of any sliding doors to prevent opening. | | | | |
| | | | - Get a safe, not just for your jewels, but |
| - Don't leave your house in darkness when | | | | for important paperwork as well. Identity |
| you're away, create a sense of activity by | | | | theft is a crime that's on the rise and you |
| using timers on lights, radios and | | | | want to minimize any availability to your |
| televisions. | | | | personal records. |
| | | | |
| - Install low-voltage lighting outdoors to | | | | The more you can do to deter an intruder, the |
| keep your surrounding yard well lit. Install | | | | better your chances are that your home will |
| motion detectors in dark areas along the | | | | not be chosen as a target. Studies have shown |
| sides and back of house to alert you of any | | | | that if it takes a burglar more than four or |
| intruders. | | | | five minutes to break into a home, they'll |
| | | | move on. If you increase their vulnerability |
| - Suspend your newspaper delivery while | | | | by adding a well-lit area or a barking dog, |
| you're away and ask your neighbor to collect | | | | that minimizes your risk again. |