| Nearly one of six homeowners will experience a | | | | plain sight. Stop the newspaper, have someone mow |
| burglary or worse a home invasion this year. So how | | | | the lawn, stop deliveries if you are away. Leave lights |
| do we stop this from happening and prevent home | | | | on. Don't be so obvious that no one is at home. |
| invasions? It seems obvious to me that you want to | | | | ---Always secure your house. If you have a burglar |
| make your home an "uninviting" target by putting out | | | | alarm set it. Lock windows and doors-even upper |
| the "UNWELCOME" mat. Advertise to everyone this | | | | level windows. Lock the garage and make sure your |
| house is not going to be a pushover. "Mr. Burglar, you | | | | tools are locked in a secure place and any ladders are |
| are in for a hard time if you pick on us." DON'T MAKE | | | | secured as well. Many homes have been broken into |
| IT EASY | | | | with tools and ladders from the garage. |
| ---Get out your "UNWELCOME" signs. Start with | | | | ---Let your neighbors and police know if you're gone |
| Neighborhood watch signs. Then have some signs | | | | The value of neighborhood watch groups is |
| that announce obstacles "beware of guard dog", | | | | enormous. Ask them to keep an eye out for |
| "these premises protected by..." etc. And my | | | | anything suspicious. Your neighbors will appreciate it |
| favorite, an NRA sticker on your window or | | | | when you return the favor for them. If police have |
| someplace conspicuous. You get the idea. Advertise | | | | knowledge of your absence it doesn't mean they will |
| that your home is not a good idea for burglary or | | | | patrol, but at least they are aware. |
| home invasion. | | | | Many police departments as a public service will offer |
| ---Signs For an Alarm Company Burglars do their | | | | advice on how to make your home more secure. Call |
| homework. When they break into a place it is usually | | | | for availability in your area. |
| with some degree of planning. If they see a sign in a | | | | When any self respecting burglar does his job he is |
| yard that the property is protected by an alarm | | | | looking for several elements when he "cases" |
| system EVEN IF YOU DON'T HAVE ONE they are | | | | prospective targets. The "look" of your house is very |
| much less likely to target the home. | | | | important to a burglar too. If you take steps to |
| --- Non lethal self defense weapons Make sure you | | | | make the residence "unattractive" to a burglar |
| have some pepper sprays and stun guns located in a | | | | chances are pretty good he will pass your residence |
| few places around the house. Even some audible | | | | and choose someone more vulnerable. Follow the tips |
| alarms will help. | | | | we've offered and you will be miles ahead of the |
| ---Make sure your home always looks like someone's | | | | game. |
| there and not vacated. Little things like leave your | | | | To find out more about some effective home |
| curtains open but don't have valuables like TV's etc. in | | | | security devices check out the links below. |