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HARDEN
~~~YOURHOME
There is plenty you can do to
protect yourself and home
from a burglar-in fact , only
you can do so.
• As soon as you move into a new residence, have the
door locks (at least tumblers) changed.
• Don' t hide a key outside near a door. Most burglars
know where to look. Don' t leave notes outside saying
you are gane.
• Don' t leave front (or back) doors unlocked if you' re ín
the back (front) yard. lt only takes a few moments for
a thief to dash in and whisk away purses, jewelry and
loase valuables.
• A dog that barks at strange noises is a good
deterrent to many burglars.
• Have good outside líghting at night.
• Never enter a residence that looks burglarized. The
burglar may still be there. Call pollee instead. lf you
confront a burglar suddenly, don't block his exit, he
may suddenly paníc and turn violent to escape.
• Get to know reliable nelghbors. Joín in a
neighborhood crime watch program to provide more
eyes and ears tor pol lee.
HAVE STRONG DOORS
AND LOCKS
lt is preterable to have
solid core
doors
with securely·affixed strike–
plates. Exterior-mounted hinges
should be pinned. Locks that can
be easily torced, such as key locks in door handles,
and slip-bolt latches, are an invitation to burglars.
All outside entrance doors should have quality
dead-bolt locks
in addition to exíst ing locksets.
Garages should also have good locks.
LIGHT UP YOUR HOME
••.
and trim shrubs around doors and win–
dows so they can't conceal an intruder.
CLOSE AND LOCK WINDOWS
Unlocked, unsecured win'dows make
lt easy tor the burglar, but most
won' t break a secured window. Most
windows can be secured (in addition
to locks) by dri lling a hale on a slight
downward slant through the inside
trame and into the exterior trame. A nail or metal
dowel in the hale will secure the window. With
sliding glass windows and doors, to keep the
window trom being lifted up and out of its track,
install metal screws in the upper track, and back
them out so there's just enough clearance for the
window to slide.
LEAVE YOUR HOME
LOOKING "LIVED-IN"
Whenever you' re leaving for an
extended time, notify your police or sheriff's
department. Have a trustworthy neighbor pick up
newspapers, maíl and such. Arrange for garden,
lawn and pet care. Have someone change the
positions of blinds and drapes daily. Put lights on
an electric tímer.
BEWARE OF STRANGERS
Never let a stranger in when you are
alone. Burglars and rapists may
pretend to be salesmen. Don't let a
stranger use your phone. lf you expect
a repairman, verify his identification
before
letting him in.
MARK AND RECORD
VALUABLES
Unmarked valuables are easy for a
burglar to sell. Mark your driver's
license number on all valuable property
with an electric engravi ng tool.