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Don't Be A Victim! -- Crime Prevention Tips
Leave drapes and shades open. Closed drapes and shades indicate an unoccupied house.
Have your lawn taken care of. Dry uncut grass says that you're away.
Put peepholes in front doors. Those with magnifying glass lens are best. You can see who's outside without opening the door. Consider door chains too. Never leave a note on your door saying that you are not home.
Take care with your keys... Don't leave a key under a doormat, flower pot or on a ledge. Burglars look in these locations first. Never leave an ignition key in your car and never put a house key on your ignition key ring.
If you have a dog or an alarm system, display "BEWARE" signs. These deter thieves.
Ask your local police to check your home periodically when you will be gone for an extended period. Also, talk to them about Neighborhood Watch Programs.
Leave a radio on. Turn it to a talk radio station, if possible, and turn the volume loud enough to be heard outside. This indicates that someone is home. Turn you phone ringer or bell down so that a prowler can't hear the phone ringing.
Don't keep expensive jewelry at home, unless you have a secure safe. All valuables and important documents should be kept in a safe or a safe deposit box.
Light the outside of your home. Exterior lights should illuminate doors, dark spots and yards.
Put interior lights on timers to simulate that someone is home.
Mark valuable items with your California Drivers License number. Televisions, stereos, VCR's are items a thief is likely to steal. Keep a list of these items, along with their serial numbers, in a safe place.
Secure patio doors. A steel or wooden rod in the guide channel will work. A pin type lock may also be used for added security.
Keep your garage door down and locked. This helps protect property stored inside. While you are away, electric doors should be disconnected and padlocked.
Look into an alarm system. There are hundreds of different systems on the market. Costs are commensurate with the sophistication of the system.
Ask a neighbor to use your garbage cans. Empty cans can be a tip off that you are away.
Ask someone to park in your driveway. This gives the illusion that someone is home.
Consult a reputable locksmith. He can give you advice on the best type of locks for your home.
Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick or tall shrubbery can hide windows/doors. This gives a thief a place to work unseen.
Make an inventory of items in your home. Take photos of valuable items. Keep one copy for yourself and give the other to your insurance company. Video tape (Camcorder) entire home and all rooms containing your property and valuables.
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