External Doors: Have sturdy, professionally installed dead bolt locks. Always keep your doors locked.
Sliding Glass Doors: Secure with a security bar specifically designed for your sliding door or at the very least, a broomstick or dowel in the inside track.
Windows: Lock double-hung windows with key locks, however, make sure all household members have easy access to the keys and know how to unlock windows in the event of a fire.
Keys: Don’t hide your house keys any where outside of your home. Burglars know all of the hiding places and it is the first thing they will look for. Give an extra key to a neighbor your trust instead.
Doors
Solid: All outside doors should be metal or solid wood to reduce being kicked in.
Tight Fit: Reduces the chance of a pry bar being used to force open the door. Weather stripping can be used.
Peephole: Install on all entry doors and always use prior to opening the door.
Know Your Visitors: Confirm the identity of all visitors prior to opening the door. Ask for identification from all service company employees.
Outside and Inside
Well-lit: Install motion lights.
Clean: Keep the yard clean; prune shrubbery back from the windows and side of the house.
Visible Numbers: So that police, etc. can locate your home in an emergency.
On Vacation: Request a nightly security check by local police and inform a trusted neighbor. Stop newspaper and mail services while gone.
Just in Case: Make a list of all valuables and serial numbers and keep in a safe place.
Never tell anyone you are home alone.
Never keep the house completely dark. Use night lights.
Alarms
An investment: A good idea if you have lots of valuables or if you live in an isolated area.
Don’t Cry Wolf: Learn to use your system properly.
Options: Less expensive and less effective, are sound detecting sockets, motion sensing outdoor lights; and lights with photo cells.
Caught in the Act
Don’t Take a Chance: Don’t enter your home if you see signs of entry.
Get Away: If you hear someone entering, leave the house safely or lock yourself in the room and call police.