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