Lighting in and around your home is one of the most effective deterrents to keep your home secure. To be effective, lighting must be adequate enough to cast full shadows. The idea is to keep the home well lit so if an uninvited guest should start prowling around, they can be easily seen.
The reason for this is that thieves want to be unseen and the quieter the better. After lighting a little yappy dog is the next best option.
Be cautious of any salesman or strangers in your neighborhood.
Write down license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles, note vehicle and occupants descriptions.
Report all suspicious activity to the local police.
Never eat candy or food items delivered to the residence from an unknown source.
Treat with suspicion all inquiries about the whereabouts or activities of other family members.
Never accept the premise of coincidence or innocent accident involving strangers.
Be alert to the unexpected in and around your home. Be suspicious if something has been moved, left unlocked, or does not look right.
Familiarize yourself with neighborhood vehicles, noting normal parking arrangements.
Vary your route when coming to and going home.
Refuse unordered package deliveries; no exceptions, and do not open suspicious mail.
Participate in a neighborhood watch program if available.
Install and maintain good exterior lighting. Consider motion sensor activated lights.
Use timers for inside and outside lights when away from residence.
Install and use a home alarm system, and test it quarterly.
Position flashlights throughout the house.
Keep portable fire extinguishers handy and in good condition. Install smoke/heat detectors on every level and near sleeping areas, and check them quarterly. Conduct fire drills.
Keep a cell phone in the bedroom. Consider establishing a safe room to go to in emergencies.
Memorize emergency telephone numbers, and have them prominently displayed near telephones.
If weapons are in the house, secure them, use trigger locks, and keep them separate from the ammunition.
Do not have your name on the mailbox.
Stop mail and newspaper service when you are away. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
Notify police of any extended absences from the residence.
Keep a cell phone with you when you are in your vehicle.
Do not use vanity plates. It helps identify your car if you are being followed.
Do not put bumper stickers or decals on your car for the reason above.
Park in well lit areas.
Be alert to the possibility of being followed. If you suspect you are being followed, make three right turns. If the vehicle is still there, do not drive home, but call the police and drive to a police station or public place.
Do not stop for stranded motorists or hitchhikers.
Always maintain at least one half tank of gas.
Leave ample room between vehicles when stopped to provide an escape route.
Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street overnight.
Always check for suspicious persons before getting out of your vehicle. If in doubt, drive away.
Leave only the valet key for the parking attendant.
Know locations of safe havens on your established route of travel.
Always travel with a companion when possible, especially when taking public transportation.
If using a taxi, if possible, specify the route you want the driver to take.
Be constantly aware of your surroundings.
Take responsibility for your own safety and that of your family members.
Discuss these issues with family members, especially children.
Remain vigilant! Don’t fall for the myths that ;It can’t happen to me, It’s not worth the hassle, and &
Idon’t have the time.