Simple Steps Help Prevent Burglaries

With the number of Americans expected to take vacations this summer at an all-time high, some people might want to celebrate. Burglars are sure to welcome this news with open arms. Those are the same arms that will be carrying away your stereo, TV and anything else of value.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that you can cut down the probability that you will be a victim. Among the steps you can take to fight back are some that won’t cost you anything.

Trim shrubs near windows and doors. If a burglar can hide behind a large shrub while jimmying a window or door, he’s a happy guy.

Put outside lights on a timer or a light sensor. Burglars shy away from the spotlight.

Timers on inside lights may be enough to frighten away a burglar even before he thinks about breaking in. If possible, vary the hours so some are turned on downstairs (if you have a twostory house) about the time you usually spend it there and upstairs later to give the impression that someone is moving through the house. There are even timers that can vary the times so someone casing the house can’t get a fix on whether it’s just timers.

Arrange to stop deliveries of newspapers and other items while you’re gone. Ask a neighbor to watch your front door for unexpected packages or for deliveries that should have been stopped but weren’t.

If you’ve got an answering machine, don’t leave a message saying you’ll be gone. Contact friends and business acquaintances who might call to tell them you’ll be away.

Sliding doors are a very easy means of entry for a burglar. They can be easily lifted off their tracks. Consider two approaches to stop this. First, insert a solid-wood or metal bar long enough to fit the length of track. Second, install a device (sold at hardware stores and home centers) in which a pin is inserted to hold the doors in place vertically.

Just in case these and other measures don’t work, prepare for the worst. Inventory your valuable possessions. You should do this with a written list and photos or videotape of each possession. Include serial numbers, dates of purchase and prices, if possible. Store the information in a safe deposit box.

Then have fun on your vacation.