| Understanding how a burglar selects a target | | | | (topped with spikes, to discourage climbers), |
| can help homeowners reduce their chances of | | | | picket or chain-link fence instead. If you |
| being a victim. Most burglaries occur at | | | | have a gate, install a strong magnetic lock |
| homes that appear to have quick, easy access | | | | on it to prevent intruders from easily |
| and/or lots of cover that reduces the chance | | | | penetrating the perimeter of your property. |
| of being seen. Think of landscaping and | | | | |
| exterior security devices as your first line | | | | - Put big, bold numbers on your mailbox so |
| of defense. Following are tips to safeguard | | | | your home can easily be identified in case of |
| your yard. | | | | an emergency. |
| | | | |
| Lighting | | | | - Never put your name on your mailbox. Anyone |
| | | | can call directory assistance, get your |
| - Use automatic timers on inside and outside | | | | number, and find out you aren't home. |
| lights when away from home. | | | | |
| | | | - Don't hide a spare key near your front |
| - Install motion detector lights around your | | | | door; burglars know all the hiding places. |
| house instead of just leaving lights on at | | | | Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor |
| night. The lights coming on and turning off | | | | instead. |
| attract the attention of neighbors. Install | | | | |
| these lights at least 8 feet above the ground | | | | - Tell burglars to steer clear of your home |
| so they are more difficult to disable. | | | | by placing alarm company signs, neighborhood |
| | | | watch decals or dog notices on your property. |
| - Install the motion detector lights so they | | | | |
| light all doors and windows. Doors, since | | | | - Consider installing an intercom system |
| they are the preferred entry point, should be | | | | featuring motion-sensor video that turns on |
| the first priority to illuminate, followed by | | | | when someone approaches your house. If you |
| windows. | | | | live on your own, consider implementing a |
| | | | camera bell so you can see who is |
| Yard and Landscaping | | | | approaching. |
| | | | |
| - Remove bushes and shrubs from around the | | | | - If you have video surveillance cameras, get |
| house, especially under windows and next to | | | | a lockbox to store the central recording |
| doors. They provide a good place to hide next | | | | device so a thief can't make off with the |
| to the house. Also, keep your yard free of | | | | record of their crime. |
| overgrowth. This will allow your neighbors to | | | | |
| easily detect strangers in your yard. | | | | - Baby video monitors can double as |
| | | | surveillance monitors for other points on |
| - If you do have shrubs and bushes, select | | | | your property. |
| ones with thorns to deter potential intruders | | | | |
| from hiding in them. | | | | - If you travel a lot, surveillance cameras |
| | | | (with viewing access through the Internet) |
| - Remove tree limbs that could allow someone | | | | will allow you to keep an eye on your home |
| to climb to an upper-story window or balcony. | | | | while you're gone. |
| | | | |
| - Think carefully before installing a high, | | | | - Lock up the garage or tool shed. Don't let |
| wooden fence around your back yard. High | | | | a burglar break-in by borrowing your ladder |
| fences can add to your privacy but privacy is | | | | to enter through your upstairs window. |
| a burglar's asset. Consider an iron railing | | | | |