 | Ask Police to conduct a free home security survey to help you identify areas that may need special attention. |
| Make sure all entry doors are solid wood (not hollow core) or metal wherever possible; install sturdy deadbolt locks and use them. Make sure windows on ground level are secured with appropriate locks. Be sure all entrances are well lit. |
| Be sure doors have wide-angle viewers (peepholes) placed conveniently for everyone in the household. Some viewers magnify the image, helpful to those with vision impairments. |
| Stow ladders, mowers, garden tools, and the like when you are not using them. |
| Mark valuables in the house with the ID number recommended by your police. Display a decal that warns burglars that you’ve done so. |
| Keep valuables out of easy view. Purses, wallets, holiday gifts, and the like should not be readily visible from the door or the street. |
| Someone at the door? Use your viewer and don’t unlock the door unless you know and welcome the visitor or you have made a positive identification by calling the employer yourself. |
| Concerned about strangers in your home, even from reliable repair companies? Ask a friend to come by and visit with you while the work is being done. |
| Beware of swindlers who try to sell you "driveway repairs" or "roof work" because they were "just driving through the neighborhood." Keep them out of your house and out of your wallet. |
| Keep the emergency numbers right next to every telephone. List your address, too, in case a friend needs to call for you in an emergency. |
| Don’t advertise vacation plans or out-of-home social gatherings in advance. Burglars look for such clues. |
| Tell a trusted neighbor or the police department if you’ll be away overnight or longer; asking them to watch your home for suspicious activity. |
| SAFETY TIP: Keep an eye on other homes in your neighborhood, too. Report suspicious cars, people and activities to the police. When making a report to the police give as good of description as possible. Such things as clothes a suspect was wearing, color and make of car, license plate, direction or area last seen. |