How to Prevent Home Break Ins and Theft

protecting your home

1. Step 1

   SECURITY/ALARM SYSTEM - The best way to promote home security and prevent break ins is to install a home security system. If anyone attempts to break in to your home, an alarm will sound and with most security systems, the authorities are notified and will be on their way.

2. Step 2

   LOCKS - Make sure all the windows and doors are closed and locked so there is no easy access to the home.

3. Step 3

   VISIBILITY - Having blinds or curtains on all of the windows and doors and making sure they are closed so there is no visibility from outside is a great idea. This way, a potential burglar won't be able to tell if anyone is home or what's inside the home.

4. Step 4

   LIGHTS - Leave a light or two on inside the home when you're away. This gives the impression that someone may be home and that the home isn't vacant or an easy target. Also, leaving an outside light on is a good idea. It only stands to reason that if a home is well lit and visible, it stands a lesser chance of being burglarized than a dark, poorly lit home.

5. Step 5

   SOUNDS - Leave a t. v. or radio on with the volume loud enough for anyone outside to hear. This also gives the impression that someone is home.

6. Step 6

   GUARD DOG - Get a dog. This may or may not be for some people, but a dog outside or inside the home may begin barking when hearing a noise at night or if they see a stranger and may scare them off.

7. Step 7

   VEHICLE - If at all possible and you have an extra vehicle, leave it in the driveway. This also gives the appearance that someone is home and that the house is not an easy target for a would be burglar.

8. Step 8

   COMMUNICATION - If you're going to be away from home for an extended period of time, ask one of your neighbors that you know and trust to keep an eye out for any strangers or strange activity.

9. Step 9

   NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH - Forming a neighborhood watch and getting the community involved is a great way to make homes and neighborhoods safer. The more eyes there are watching out for suspicious behavior, the better the chances for prevention.

10. Step 10

    DON'T ADVERTISE - When you're planning to go on a trip or vacation, don't tell everyone you know that you're leaving. People talk and word can get around to the wrong person, so it's best to only tell a close family member or a really good friend that you trust, and have them check in on your home while you're away.