Don't leave a "hidden key" outside under a doormat, flowerpot, drain spout, etc.
Don't grow hiding places by allowing window/side bushes to grow too large.
Don't allow valuables (purse, VCR, etc.) to be visible from the street or within arm's reach from outside of the window.
Don't allow strangers (male or female) in your home who act as though they are lost, request a drink of water, or to use the phone.
Don't display your name on your mailbox. A thief needs only a phone book to determine who answers and who is gone.
Don't leave a ladder outside.
Don't simply leave all lights on when you're gone...a dead giveaway. Use timers or have a neighbor assist.
Don't allow papers or mail to stack up in your driveway.
Don't rely on clamshell window locks. They're uneven, don't fit, and easily jimmied with a knife.
Don't leave valuables in the obvious places: nightstands, chest of drawers, desks, closets, family room. Be creative...burglars are young and could be on drugs.
Don't buy items off the street from someone whose character you can't vouch for. You could be receiving stolen property and adding to the burglary problem.
Don't deliberately confront a burglar. There may be more than one, they might be on drugs, and you might frighten them into a confrontation when most go to great lengths to avoid conflict.
Do watch your neighbor's property and note suspicious persons and vehicles. Notify the Police (862-8600) and give a description: location, number of suspects, race, age, clothing, vehicle description, and tag number.
Do strengthen all doors and door locks - solid core or metal and quality dead bolts, little or no glass, and doorjamb should be as solid as the door. Consider that two deadbolts spread the force of a blow.
Do install a wide-angle peephole to inspect visitors.
Do change tumblers if you lend keys and lose track of them.
Do lock or bolt windows. Approximately 25% of burglars enter this way but very few will break the glass.
Do install locks on sliding glass doors to prevent the door from being lifted out of its track.
Do secure window-mounted air conditioners so they're not easily removed or pushed in.
Do secure garages and basement windows - consider a metal grill.
Do consider exterior lighting with infrared sensors. Floodlights are best.
Do lock up when at home while cutting grass or gardening. Transient burglars will drive around looking for such an opportunity and just walk inside!
Do use care with wedding and funeral announcements.
Do consider a dog - the larger, the better, and use Beware of Dog signs.
Do mark and photograph valuables or at least record brand name, model number, serial number, and otherwise distinguishing characteristics.
Do consider lawn care and house sitters while on vacation.
Do be careful of who you tell when you plan to be away from your home for an extended period of time.
Do consider safes, either hidden or large 500-pound gun safes.
Do consider a professionally installed and monitored alarm system with stickers and an audible alarm after otherwise securing your home.