Hints and Tips
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General
- Do not open door until you are sure of the identity of your visitor.
- Install exterior lighting or motion sensor lighting to illuminate dark or hidden entry ways.
- Install a home alarm system, purchased and installed by a nationwide reputable company. The system should include door and window contacts, motion sensors and glass break sensors.
- Do not leave house-key under mat, in mailbox or in any other area near door.
- Don't volunteer any information to unknown callers on the telephone. Don't give out your home phone number to wrong number callers. Instruct young children not to give out information over the phone to unfamiliar callers.
- Give careful consideration to requests to photograph your home.
- If awakened at night by an intruder, lie still, try not to panic, and at first opportunity call the police.
- Travel with a companion or in groups when out of town or in unfamiliar neighborhoods and settings.
- Do not fight against a weapon-your life is most important. Remember - fighting escalates violence.
- Avoid leaving any information that contains your home address in your car.
- Set timers to automatically turn on and off lights and radios at varied times during the day and night to give home a lived-in look.
- Can you look inside your window and see that CD player, silverware collection and Ming vase? If so, chances are a burglar could too, giving him more of a reason to try your house! Keep such valuables out of view and keep blinds and drapes closed.
- Keep valuable belongings (jewelry, papers, certificates, etc.) out of sight. If possible, keep them in a safety deposit box away from home. Other valuable items like TVs and radios should be engraved with your post code, which will help police identify your property if it is stolen and subsequently recovered.
- Record all serial numbers/ID numbers of all your valuables on a sheet of paper. You can also videotape the information as you describe the items. Keep copies in a safety deposit box or give them to a trusted friend for safekeeping when you're away. A complete list of your belongings will allow you to get better compensation when a claim is made.
- A trusted neighbour is probably the best resource you have for deterring burglary. They can continue an illusion of your presence by following your "lived-in" routine: turn lights on/off appropriately, collect mail, newspapers etc.
- Place a home security system sticker in your window this may be enough to cause a thief to pass your house.
- Make sure your answering machine merely says you're "not available" instead of you're "not home."
- Have a neighbour park his/her car in your drive while you're gone on extended trips. Make sure its moved periodically to look like it's being driven by someone staying at the house
- Make your home security system like an onion, not an egg. Layers upon layers are not only the best deterrent, but the best defense against break ins.
- Pretend to be a burglar
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