Home Security Tips

Lock your doors
This may seem to be an obvious tip, but most break ins occur through an unlocked door. Be sure to secure your doors and windows with good locks.

Pretend to be a burglar
Walk the perimeter of your home with a burglar's eye. See what they might see. Do you have ladders lying around your back yard? Are there open windows or unlocked doors that might be inviting to a thief?

Use lights to deter criminals
Criminals don't like light to be shed on their activities. Use spotlights around the perimeter of your home.

Consider your landscaping a security tool
Thorny plants such as rose bushes or holly can help you  deter burlglars by making your entry areas very uncomfortable to navigate. Consider planting these types of bushes under low windows.

Don't hide a spare key near your home
An experienced burglar knows where to look for hidden keys. Give your key to a trusted neighbor to keep in case you lock yourself out.

Dont leave boxes from new purchases out on the curb
Leaving your new computer box or DVD player package out on the curb is an invitation to thieves. Don't advertise what you have in your home. Deconstruct boxes and place in a garbage bag before disposing of them.

Use a timer for lights when you're not home.
Simply leaving the lights on all day and night is not enough when yo'ure leaving town. A light left on all day is a sign that no one is home to turn it off. Use a timer to automatically turn on and off lights in and around your home. Consider using the timer for a radio or television as well.

Don't place your name on your mailbox or curb sign.
Thieves can look up your phone number from the name on your mailbox and determine whether or not you're home. Don't make it easy for them.

Don't leave items lying around that might help a burglar enter your home
If you own a ladder or any other items that a burglar might use to enter your home, keep it stored in a locked shed or the garage.

Don't let newspapers or mail accumulate while you're away
Allowing newspapers or mail to accumulate lets burglars know that you're not home and haven't been home for awhile. Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your newspapers and notify the post office to hold your mail while you're away.