| Think About itknowing about a burglar's three worst | | | | out a determined burglar. A peephole or a wide-angle |
| enemies -- light, time and noise -- can help you protect | | | | viewer in the door is safer for identifying visitors than a |
| your home from crime. A burglar won't find your home | | | | door chain. Sliding glass doors present a special |
| an "easy mark" if he's forced to work in the light, if he | | | | problem because they are easy to open, but there are |
| has to take a lot of time breaking in, and if he can't | | | | locks designed for them. A broomstick in the door |
| work quietly. | | | | channel can help, but don't depend on it for security. |
| "Case" Your Place | | | | Deadbolt locks are best. Key locks are available for all |
| Take the time to "case" your house or apartment, just | | | | types of windows. Double-hung windows can be |
| as a burglar would. Here are a few questions to get | | | | secured simply by "pinning" the upper and lower |
| you started: | | | | frames together with a nail, which can be removed |
| 1. Where is the easiest entry? | | | | from the inside. For windows at street level, consider |
| 2. How can you make it more burglar resistant? | | | | iron grates or grilles. For windows opening onto a fire |
| Trim trees and shrubs near your doors and windows, | | | | escape, metal accordion gates can be installed on the |
| and think carefully before installing a high, wooden | | | | inside. Make the Extra Effort. |
| fence around your back yard. High fences and | | | | Here are some "home security habits" to develop and |
| shrubbery can add to your privacy, but privacy is a | | | | practice: |
| burglar's asset. Consider trading a little extra privacy | | | | A. Establish a routine to follow in making certain that |
| for a bit of added security. Force any would-be burglar | | | | doors and windows are locked and alarm systems |
| to confront a real enemy -- light. Exterior lights, | | | | are turned on. |
| mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness | | | | B. Avoid giving information to unidentified telephone |
| a burglar finds comforting. | | | | callers, or announcing your personal plans in want ads |
| How can you slow burglars down? Time is a burglar's | | | | or public notices (such as giving your address when |
| enemy, too. A burglar delayed for four or five minutes | | | | advertising items for sale). Notify police if you see |
| is apt to give up and try for another, less difficult | | | | suspicious strangers in your area. |
| location. Simple security devices -- including such | | | | C. Handle your keys carefully. Don't carry house keys |
| ordinary equipment as nails, screws, padlocks, door | | | | on a key ring bearing your home address or leave |
| and window locks, grates, bars and bolts -- can | | | | house keys with your car in a commercial parking lot. |
| discourage intruders and keep them from entering. | | | | Don't hide your keys in "secret" places outside your |
| How about noise? Try to make the general prospect | | | | home - burglars usually know where to look. |
| of robbing your home a noisy job. Noise is that | | | | D. Remember special vacation tips. This is a clear |
| important third enemy of the burglar. Many types of | | | | giveaway that the owners are not home. When going |
| alarm systems are available, with detectors to be | | | | on vacation, leave blinds open in their usual position. |
| mounted on doors and windows. Deciding just how | | | | Have mail and packages picked up, forwarded or held |
| much home protection you need -- and can afford -- is | | | | by the post office. Lower the sound of your telephone |
| a personal judgment. Ask your police department or | | | | bell so it can't be heard outside. Arrange to have your |
| sheriff to have someone survey your home and | | | | lawn mowed or your walk shoveled. Stop newspaper |
| advise you about suitable protection. Are any of your | | | | deliveries. Ask a friend to pick up "throwaway" |
| valuables - such as a painting, a silver collection or an | | | | newspapers and circulars. Use automatic timers to turn |
| antique chair-easy to see from outside? Rearranging | | | | lights on and off in your living room and bedrooms at |
| your furnishings might be advisable if it serves to make | | | | appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to a |
| your homeless inviting to criminals! Incidentally, should | | | | timer. Tell police and dependable neighbors when you |
| you ever need to report a burglary or file an insurance | | | | plan to be away and join with your neighbors to keep |
| claim, a household inventory - a listing of your furniture | | | | a close watch on what's happening in your area - |
| and major personal belongings - could be a valuable | | | | working closely with them is a good way to prevent |
| document? | | | | crime. |
| Consider Some Specificsreducing the risk of break-ins | | | | ...And Remember This. Confronting a thief in your home |
| is simply a matter of making your home less inviting to | | | | is frightening. |
| burglars than other homes in the neighborhood. It's up | | | | Follow this advice: |
| to you. Outside doors should be metal or solid | | | | 1. Run away if you can and call police. |
| hardwood, and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must | | | | 2. Lock yourself in a room if you can't escape. |
| be made of equally strong material, and each door | | | | 3. Cooperate and stay as calm as possible should you |
| must fit its frame securely. Remember, if it is placed in | | | | find yourself face-to-face with a burglar. |
| a weak door, even the most efficient lock will not keep | | | | |