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Saturday, May 18, 2013 | 10:08 p.m.

Posted: 4:19 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, 2011

Home Security

WHEN YOU'RE ON VACATION OR AWAY

  • Put lights, stereo or TV on a timer to give the appearance that someone is home.
  • Secure sliding glass doors with pins to prevent both horizontal and vertical movement.
  • Don't stop your mail or newspaper deliveries; it signals you're away. Instead, have a neighbor pick up your deliveries.
  • Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway to give your home the appearance that someone is there.

 

KEEP YOURSELF SAFE AT HOME

  • Lock doors and windows when you're home alone. Forty percent of home invasions occur because a door or window was left unlocked.
  • Look through your peephole viewer to see who's there before opening the door.
  • Always request identification from salespeople or repairmen before you let them in your home.
  • List only your first initial and last name in the phone book.
  • Fix broken locks or windows and install deadbolts on doors leading outside.
  • Replace all locks immediately after moving into a new home

 

KEEP YOUR VALUABLES SAFE

  • Store high-value items such as jewelry, furs and firearms in a small closet with a solid core door, a non-removable hinge and a deadbolt lock.
  • Keep important papers, valuable jewelry and large amounts of cash in a safe deposit box.
  • Engrave your valuables with your driver's license or social security number.
  • Keep gift-wrapped packages hidden from outside view.
  • When you purchase new electronic equipment, do not "advertise it". Break down cartons before discarding.

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