Do you keep a spare house key under a flowerpot or behind a workbench in the garage? Or, do you simply enter your home through an unlocked window when you find yourself locked out? (Confession: I have.) My dad will cringe when he reads this. He has a saying: “If you can get in that easily, so can a burglar.” He’s right. And, over the years I have found that a small investment of time and money can go a long way to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of burglary or assault.
Here are some simple tips on how to protect you, your family, and your home from potential break-ins:
· Install a dead bolt lock on every external door. Make sure it is a sturdy one with a minimum of 1-1/2″ bolt.
· If you have a sliding glass door use a broomstick or wooden dowel in the track to jam the door, in case someone tries to pry it open.
· Don’t hide keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats, rather give an extra key to a neighbor you trust.
· If you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment it is a good idea to have the locks changed.
· Inspect all your doors. Locks are not effective if they are on flimsy doors. Make sure all exterior doors are metal or solid, 1-3/4″ hardwood.
· Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors, so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
· Get rid of door chains. A police officer once told me that door chains are not security devices-they break easily and won’t keep out an intruder.
Locks and sturdy doors are wonderful assets to your home and help keep the bad guys out, but when it comes to protecting your family and your home you really need a second line of defense:
· Join or help start a Neighborhood Watch group. If one doesn’t exist, ask your police or sheriff’s department to help you start one.
· Keep written records of all furniture, jewelry and electronic devices. It’s a good idea to keep these records in a safe-deposit box, fireproof safe or other secure place. Take pictures or a video, and keep purchase information and serial numbers if available. This information can aid police in tracking recovered items.
· If your neighbors are ever victims, help them out. Offer sympathy and support.
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