Protect Your Home From Burglars

Here are some time-tested tips on how to protect your home while away on vacation or just having a dinner date.

Be sure to lock before you leave, and let a trusted neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big, big dividends.

Going to the Market or Out for Dinner?

A home which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Protect your home by making certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the garage doors everytime you leave the house.

When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

When Planning A Vacation Or Prolonged Absences

To protect your home from burglars, discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

Another way to protect your home when away is to inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.

When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.

If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Summon a police immediately using a neighbor's phone, or your mobile phone.

Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occured. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

Always Remember ...

• Lock doors before you leave:
• Trust a neighbor with a key during prolonged absences;
• Be a concerned neighbor-yourself.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones While Traveling. Be Safety Conscious.

It takes only a little conscious effort to protect your home and person. Being safety conscious pays dividends and avoids a lot of inconveniences.

Have a safe day.

Thank you for visiting this page. Please feel free to share it with your friends and/or bookmark this page.