Check your home for security weaknesses and correct them

Research shows that if it takes a thief more than four or five minutes to break into a home, he or she will go elsewhere. Take the time to “case” your house or apartment just as a burglar would and consider these steps to make it more crime-resistant, especially at points of easiest entry.

• Install simple security devices. Padlocks, door and window locks, grates, bars and bolts can increase the amount of time it takes to break into your home. Make sure the elements you already have in place are working properly.
• Invest in a burglar alarm. The most effective ones also ring at an outside service.
• Invest in security cameras. Cover key entry points and mount out of easy reach to deter tampering, these tell burglars that someone is watching.
• Trade a bit of privacy for added security. Trim trees and shrubs near doors and windows and think carefully before installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but can also be an asset to a burglar.
• Shine a light. Force any would-be burglar out of the shadows. Exterior lights and motion detectors, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness shielding a would-be burglar.
• Keep valuables out of easy sight. If your valuable paintings, silver collection or home entertainment system are easy to see from outside the house, consider rearranging your furnishings to make your home less inviting to criminals.

Home entry point security

To help foil break-ins, strengthen the barriers at your home’s entry points. Of course, don’t sacrifice personal safety in this effort—whatever security features you install…”