| I don't think it's necessary to explain how important is | | | | paintings, or expensive/luxury accessories that can be |
| to protect your home from burglars, because anyone | | | | easily seen from the outdoors? Try changing the |
| who appreciates his/her family and possessions will | | | | location of your valuables so that they can't be seen |
| understand. But if it's important, why so many home | | | | easily from outside. This way burglars will have less |
| owners seem to disregard their home protection? For | | | | motivation to enter your home. It's also a good advice |
| those who do want to improve the security of their | | | | to keep a household inventory (a list of your most |
| homes, here are some tips to consider: | | | | valuable belongings, such as furniture, electronics, etc.) |
| 1) Have in mind that a burglar's three worst enemies | | | | This document could be used when reporting a |
| are light, time and noise. If he is forced to "work" in the | | | | burglary, and to file an insurance claim as well. |
| light, or he is going to take too long to break into your | | | | 6) Establish a routine so that every night before going |
| home, it's more likely he is not going to give it a try. | | | | to sleep, and every time you are going out and leaving |
| 2) Try to figure out what's your home's easiest entry, | | | | your home alone, you make sure your doors and |
| the pass way the burglar would use to enter your | | | | windows are locked and the alarm system is on. |
| home. Do you know where is it? Good! Now try to | | | | 7) Don't give information to people you don't know |
| make it more secure. Tips: Trim trees and shrubs near | | | | over the telephone, and teach your children to do the |
| doors and windows. Prefer low fences which make it | | | | same. Don't write you home address in "?want" or "I |
| hard for a burglar to work in a quiet and hidden place. | | | | sell" ads on newspapers or online bulletin boards. |
| Use good outdoors lightning for the same reasons: | | | | 8) Notify police when you see suspicious strangers in |
| Your house should be a hard place for a burglar to | | | | your neighborhood. |
| "work" comfortably. | | | | 9) Handle your keys carefully, e.g. don't use a key ring |
| 3) As mentioned before, time is another burglar's | | | | which has your home address in it, because if you |
| enemy. If he is forced to take five or six minutes | | | | loose your keys and they are found by a criminal, he |
| longer, he may consider leaving. So how could you | | | | will know exactly where to go (and not to return your |
| apply this tip to your home? Try adding good quality | | | | keys by the way!) Don't leave your house keys inside |
| and strong locks to your doors and windows, and use | | | | your car in a parking lot, and finally don't try to hide |
| them! | | | | your keys in "secret" places outside your home, as |
| 4) Noise is a burglar's third enemy, and here is where | | | | most burglars will know where to look. |
| alarm systems come to scene! Install an alarm system | | | | Applying all these home security tips will not only |
| with detectors mounted on all doors and windows that | | | | prevent burglars to enter your home and steal your |
| could be used by an intruder. | | | | valuable possessions, but also give you the desirable |
| 5) Do you have valuables, such as fine furniture, | | | | peace of mind we all need. |