| Think About it | | | | lock will not keep out a determined burglar. A |
| knowing about a burglar's three worst enemies -- | | | | peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is |
| light, time and noise -- can help you protect your | | | | safer for identifying visitors than a door chain. |
| home from crime. A burglar won't find your home | | | | Sliding glass doors present a special problem |
| an "easy mark" if he's forced to work in the light, | | | | because they are easy to open, but there are |
| if he has to take a lot of time breaking in, and if | | | | locks designed for them. A broomstick in the door |
| he can't work quietly."Case" Your Place | | | | channel can help, but don't depend on it for |
| Take the time to "case" your house or | | | | security. Deadbolt locks are best. Key locks are |
| apartment, just as a burglar would. Here are a | | | | available for all types of windows. Double-hung |
| few questions to get you started:1, Where is the | | | | windows can be secured simply by "pinning" the |
| easiest entry? | | | | upper and lower frames together with a nail, |
| 2, How can you make it more burglar | | | | which can be removed from the inside. For |
| resistant?Trim trees and shrubs near your doors | | | | windows at street level, consider iron grates or |
| and windows, and think carefully before installing a | | | | grilles. For windows opening onto a fire escape, |
| high, wooden fence around your back yard. High | | | | metal accordion gates can be installed on the |
| fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, | | | | inside. Make the Extra Effort |
| but privacy is a burglar's asset. Consider trading a | | | | Here are some "home security habits" to develop |
| little extra privacy for a bit of added security. | | | | and practice:A, Establish a routine to follow in |
| Force any would-be burglar to confront a real | | | | making certain that doors and windows are locked |
| enemy -- light. Exterior lights, mounted out of | | | | and alarm systems are turned on. |
| easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar | | | | B, Avoid giving information to unidentified |
| finds comforting.How can you slow burglars | | | | telephone callers, or announcing your personal |
| down? Time is a burglar's enemy, too. A burglar | | | | plans in want ads or public notices (such as giving |
| delayed for four or five minutes is apt to give up | | | | your address when advertising items for sale). |
| and try for another, less difficult location. Simple | | | | Notify police if you see suspicious strangers in |
| security devices -- including such ordinary | | | | your area. |
| equipment as nails, screws, padlocks, door and | | | | C, Handle your keys carefully. Don't carry house |
| window locks, grates, bars and bolts -- can | | | | keys on a key ring bearing your home address or |
| discourage intruders and keep them from | | | | leave house keys with your car in a commercial |
| entering. How about noise? Try to make the | | | | parking lot. Don't hide your keys in "secret" places |
| general prospect of robbing your home a noisy | | | | outside your home - burglars usually know where |
| job. Noise is that important third enemy of the | | | | to look. |
| burglar. Many types of alarm systems are | | | | D, Remember special vacation tips. This is a clear |
| available, with detectors to be mounted on doors | | | | giveaway that the owners are not home. When |
| and windows. Deciding just how much home | | | | going on vacation, leave blinds open in their usual |
| protection you need -- and can afford -- is a | | | | position. Have mail and packages picked up, |
| personal judgment. Ask your police department or | | | | forwarded or held by the post office. Lower the |
| sheriff to have someone survey your home and | | | | sound of your telephone bell so it can't be heard |
| advise you about suitable protection. Are any of | | | | outside. Arrange to have your lawn mowed or |
| your valuables - such as a painting, a silver | | | | your walk shoveled. Stop newspaper deliveries. |
| collection or an antique chair-easy to see from | | | | Ask a friend to pick up "throwaway" newspapers |
| outside? Rearranging your furnishings might be | | | | and circulars. Use automatic timers to turn lights |
| advisable if it serves to make your homeless | | | | on and off in your living room and bedrooms at |
| inviting to criminals! Incidentally, should you ever | | | | appropriate times. Consider connecting a radio to |
| need to report a burglary or file an insurance | | | | a timer. Tell police and dependable neighbors when |
| claim, a household inventory - a listing of your | | | | you plan to be away and join with your neighbors |
| furniture and major personal belongings - could be | | | | to keep a close watch on what's happening in |
| a valuable document?Consider Some Specifics | | | | your area - working closely with them is a good |
| reducing the risk of break-ins is simply a matter | | | | way to prevent crime. |
| of making your home less inviting to burglars than | | | | ...And Remember This. Confronting a thief in your |
| other homes in the neighborhood. It's up to you. | | | | home is frightening.Follow this advice:1, Run away |
| Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, | | | | if you can and call police. |
| and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames must be | | | | 2, Lock yourself in a room if you can't escape. |
| made of equally strong material, and each door | | | | 3, Cooperate and stay as calm as possible should |
| must fit its frame securely. Remember, if it is | | | | you find yourself face-to-face with a burglar. |
| placed in a weak door, even the most efficient | | | | |