Occasionally it's good to be reminded of the fundamentals of home security. Print this out and stick it on your bulletin board at work or on your refrigerator as a reminder to everyone in your family.
- Daytime burglaries: Many burglaries happens during daylight hours; very few occur at night-which means even when you step out to go to the store at noon, set your home security system to alarm.
- Traveling: Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house and get your mail and newspapers and grab your barrels on trash day. During the winter, have someone clear the snow around your house to make it look like someone's home.
- Trick the burglars: Do things like leaving a radio or TV on, and put the lights on timers. The idea is to always make your house looked lived in.
- Neighborhood watch: Get to know your neighbors, and note who is coming and going and what their vehicles look like.
- Call 911: If something seems wrong, it is wrong. Trust your gut. Don't wait to call 911 if something does not seem right. React, respond, see something, say something.
- Exterior: Bushes and shrubs should be trimmed back from doors and windows.
- Home security systems and cameras: Wired or wireless, use a professional or do it yourself. Spend a little or spend a lot. Get it monitored or not. (I prefer monitored.) With some cameras, you can hear audio via video. Just get alarmed.
- Lighting: Use bright lighting around your home, including motion lights or lights on timers. I like timers better.
- Engraving: Engraving systems allow you to imprint your driver's license number or address on valuable items. This helps police return recovered items when bad guys are busted.
- Doors: Use strong, high-quality deadbolt locks. Consider door reinforcement technologies on the jambs and hinges and around the locks. Use solid-core doors. Beef up sliding doors, as older versions can be opened by an experienced burglar.
- Windows: Bars on windows are an option, but a better option is locking them and using a shatter-resistant window film that helps prevent windows from being smashed in.
Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to BestHomeSecurityCompanys.com discussing burglar proofing your home on Fox Boston. Disclosures.
