With the recent increase of home invasion burglaries, it’s wise to practice a few very simple rules even when you’re at home.
- Keep doors and windows locked as much as possible, especially during the overnight hours.
- Don’t hand out keys to friends and neighbors, even if you think they’re trustworthy.
- Never use hide-a-keys, or leave a key outside, in the car, or elsewhere.
- Never let strangers into your home. Before you open your door to accept a package, speak with a door to door salesman, or even someone who appears to be legitimate, ask for identification. There have been instances where individuals have impersonated a police officer to gain entry to a home or business.
- Never allow someone in to “make a phone call,” even if they appear to be injured, or if they plead car trouble, etc. Make the call for them, but do not let them inside your home. When you leave the doorway to make the phone call, make certain that you lock the door behind you!
- Never step outside your door, onto the front porch, etc., to speak with a stranger who comes to your door. Stay inside with the door locked.
- Don’t leave valuables on display inside your home. Never leave your purse, your wallet, jewelry, a laptop computer, etc., on display in front of a window. Position your electronics, computers, televisions, etc., in such a way that they aren’t easily visible from outside your home.
- Keep your garage doors closed and locked.
- Don’t leave bicycles, lawn mowers, etc., outside once you’ve finished using them.
- Always break down the packing boxes from big ticket purchases, such as computers, televisions, etc., and hide them in your garbage container.
- Shred any identifying paperwork before you put it into the garbage.
- Pay attention to what’s going on in your neighborhood on a day to day basis. If you see someone or something that is unfamiliar, out of the ordinary, or suspicious, be watchful but not paranoid.
In addition to practicing these simple rules yourself, it is equally important that you teach every member of your family, including your children to practice them, as well. Your weakest security link could be your spouse, or worse, your children.