Protect Your House from Home Invasion

Before reading the following tips, remember that it is almost impossible to keep a determined burglar out, but if you discourage him for a few minutes, he will usually go elsewhere. Below are some easy ways to do that:

1. Keep doors and windows locked:

Roughly one-quarter of break-ins are unforced entries. A dead-bolt lock that extends one inch when locked will, along with a peep hole, pretty much foil a burglar at that entrance. For sliding doors, put a dowel in the track or buy a good lock.

2. Demand Identification:

Demand Identification from all callers, including those who are wearing uniforms. You may not know what lies beneath.

3. Plant Cactus:

Below your windows, plant prickly shrubs - but not so tall or so far from the house that a burglar can hide behind them. It may backfire. Lock up tools and ladders a thief might use.

4. When away:

When you are away, arrange for mail and newspapers to be picked up, hide trash cans indoors and, if possible, leave a car in the driveway. Don't leave your house keys with your car keys in a commercial parking lot. And don't ever identify your keys with a name or address tag. Secure window air conditioners so they can't be removed from outside.

5. Wrong Number:

Be suspicious of repeated "wrong number" or "nobody at the other end" telephone calls. And when you leave the house, turn down your phone bell so it won't ring endlessly. It might one of the burglars trying to determine whether you are there at home or not.

6. Beware of Dog:

Put up a "Beware of Dog" sign, whether or not you have a dog. That sign is enough to scare people away. When you move into a new home, change the locks.

Hope that the above tips help you to keep your "home sweet home" safe from burglars.