Lock up your home
Even if you go out only for a short time lock your doors. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.

Your house should appear occupied at all times
Use plug in timers to turn on and off lamps and television at random times when you’re not at home. Have friends or neighbors pick up mail and newspapers or have these services suspended if you will be away for a long period of time. Adjust your telephone ringer volume to quiet or set your voicemail to answer automatically.

Install motion sensor lighting
Most thieves don’t want to be observed trying to get in a door and it will minimize places for them to hide.

Consider your landscaping plan
Trees or shrubbery located near windows and parking areas that might shield a burglar from view can be major flaws in your home-protection plan.

Install heavy-duty deadbolts (at least 1 inch)
A spring-latch lock is easy prey for burglars who are “loiding” experts. Loiding is the method of slipping a plastic credit card against the latch tongue to depress it and unlock the door. A deadbolt defies any such attack. It is only vulnerable when there is enough space between the door and its frame to allow an intruder to use power tools or a hacksaw.

Ask for credentials from any sales-person who requests entry to your home.
Ask that their ID be pushed under the door. Many professional burglars use this cover to check out homes. If you’re doubtful, check with the person’s office before letting him or her in. Don’t leave notes for service people or family members on the door. These act as a welcome mat for a burglar. If someone comes to your door asking to use the phone to call a mechanic or the police, keep the door locked and make the call yourself. Talk to your neighbors about any suspicious people or strange cars you notice lurking about.

Do NOT leave extra keys in any outdoor location
If you feel the need to have extra keys available, leave a set with a trusted neighbor or friend. If you lose your keys, change the locks immediately. Change all the locks and tumblers when you move into a new house.

Sliding glass patio doors should be secured
Sliding glass patio doors should be secured by placing an appropriate length pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide.

Always keep garage doors closed when not in use
Be sure to always lock the door from the house to the garage. To keep your tools from being stolen, paint the handles. Thieves avoid items that are easy to identify.

Keep the drapes and/or blinds closed
In rooms where you keep your computer, stereo, and other valuable equipment, keep the drapes and/or blinds closed.

Do NOT leave valuables lying around your house
Cash, jewelry, guns, and other valuables should be stored in a safe or at the bank in a safety deposit box. Medication should be stored in a secure, non visible location. Pain medication is one of the top theft items.

If you have a faulty alarm that frequently goes off, get it fixed immediately
Tell your neighbors that it’s been repaired. Many people ignore an alarm that goes off periodically.

Conceal all wiring
For the most effective alarm system, conceal all wiring. A professional burglar looks for places where he or she can disconnect the security system.

Plan to “burglarize” yourself
You’ll discover any weaknesses in your security system that may have previously escaped your notice.