12 Home Security Tips From Auto Club
Home security tips have been coming from almost everywhere ever since home break-ins and burglary crimes became violent and many this summer. Here are twelve top tips from Auto Club and EARTHtimes.org in helping families and homeowners prevent home burglaries:
“1. Always lock your doors. Secure all doors and windows before you leave. Use deadbolts, dowels, locking pins in sliding glass doors and windows to keep them from being pried open. Slowing down a would-be burglar will likely make them seek another home that’s easier to break into.
2. If possible, install a monitored alarm system in your home. You may be eligible for a reduction on your insurance rates after the system is installed. The Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club offers such a discount. Make sure your home insurance is up to date and provides adequate coverage if you own luxury goods, expensive jewelry and electronics. Check to see if you need an additional rider or floater insurance policy for those items from your Auto Club or other insurance representative.
3. Keep the exterior of your home and yard well lit with low-wattage outdoor lighting.
4. Close and lock the garage door. Side garage doors should be solid, without any glass and equipped with a strong deadbolt.
5. Don’t advertise that you are going out of town. Stop all deliveries, mail and newspapers, or ask a trustworthy neighbor or friend to pick them up for you. Don’t let mail, including bank statements and credit card offers, sit in the mailbox to advertise you are away and tempt a thief to steal your identity.
6. Use automatic timers with inside lamps and a radio. Set them to come on at random times.
7. Remove spare keys from outside your home, especially near the front door or under a welcome mat.
8. Trim bushes in front of entrances, including windows. This eliminates a burglar’s ability to hide while breaking in.
9. Keep some blinds up and curtains open to keep up normal appearances. Put away personal documents, and place critical documents in a safety deposit box or leave them with a relative. Hide expensive jewelry or place in a safety deposit box at your bank.
10. If you have just moved into your home, change the front door lock.
11. Many thefts are perpetrated by individuals who may have access to your home. If possible, conduct background checks and closely monitor those who may be working inside your residence.
12. Neighborhood Watch programs are great deterrents. If your neighborhood doesn’t have one, volunteer to start one with your local police department before leaving town or ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep an eye on your home while you are away.“
