Doors and locks: Make sure exterior
doors are made of solid wood or metal and secured with a
heavy-duty deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt and a
heavy-duty knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism.
Windows: Close the latches on all
windows and, for extra security, place a secondary blocking
device such as a wooden dowel or through-the-frame pin.
Lighting: Create the illusion of
occupancy with light-timers on interior lights near the front
and back windows with the curtains drawn. Don’t leave them
on all the time — unless you want burglars to think you’re
out of town.
Neighbors: Ask a trusted neighbor to
pick up your mail and newspapers and oversee vendors such as
lawn mowing services. Encourage them to park in your empty
driveway once in a while and even give them a key to check
inside your home.
Landscaping: Trim tree branches up to
six feet off the ground and trim your shrubs down to three
feet. This makes it easier for neighbors to monitor your yard
and minimizes hiding places for burglars.
Alarm systems: Besides arming your
alarm system before you leave, make sure you have alarm
company signs near the front and rear doors and alarm company
decals on ground floor windows to deter burglars.
