An Ounce of Prevention

You can minimize the opportunity for a burglar to break into your home. Here are some prevention ideas.

Stopping House Burglaries

• Be alert. If you see an unknown person loitering in or around your neighbor's yard, don't be afraid to dial 911, and report it to police.
• Store ladders inside.
• Close garage doors, whether you're home or away.
• Lock your house when working in a basement or outdoors.
• Secure all entrances to your house at night or when away.
• Leave your house with the appearance someone is home.

Stopping Apartment Burglaries

• Change the locks. You never know who may still have a key.
• Keep valuables in a safety deposit box.
• Never let strangers in your apartment building.
• Leave a light burning and a radio playing quietly when you go out for the evening.

When Away From Home

• In the summer, have your lawn mowed, and in the winter, have your sidewalks shoveled.
• Stop all deliveries.
• Use a timer to turn your lights on and off at different times.
• Put away outside articles.
• Don't discuss your planned absence in public.

If a Burglar Strikes

• Don't go inside. Go to another phone and dial 911 immediately.
• Don't touch anything inside your home. Leave everything exactly as you found it so evidence won't be destroyed.