How To Protect Your Home While Away
Be sure to lock before you leave, and let a neighbor have a key. When leaving your home, practice the following advice - it could pay big, big dividends.
GOING TO THE MARKET OR OUT TO DINNER?
A residence which presents a "lived-in" appearance is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied. Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departing. An empty garage advertises your absence, so close the doors.
When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing (TV sets should not be left unattended). Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.
Do not leave door keys under flowerpots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.
WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES
Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.
Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.
Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.
Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positions of your shades and blinds.
When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people's vacation activities.
If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were away, DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor's phone immediately to summon police.
Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO
1. Lock before you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor - yourself.How To Protect Your Home
From Intruders
SAFETY AT YOUR FRONT DOOR
1. Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know your caller's identity before admitting him.
2. If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this, do not admit him.
3. It is advisable to have a wide-angle viewer (peep-hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking your door.
HOME SAFETY
1. All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.
2. When away at night, leave a light burning.
3. Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat.
4. The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock. But never leave it unlocked. This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.
5. Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.
6. When leaving on a trip:
a. Stop all deliveries.
b. Connect a light to a timer.
c. Notify the police and have a neighbor check your home periodically.
d. Have someone maintain your lawn.
7. Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.
SAFETY FOR THE APARTMENT DWELLER
1. If you live in an apartment building with an intercom system to the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating order.
2. Never admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.
3. Never admit anyone to the building that is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.
4. Anyone asking admission so that he can do some work for another tenant should not be admitted, but should be referred to the building's manager.
5. If you see someone in your building that looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police.