Doors:

• All exterior doors should be solid-core, rather than hollow-core. Any lock installed in a hollow-core door is much less secure. In fact, hollow-core doors are more easily lifted off their hinges and are not heavy enough to support the better locks, such as double-cylinder deadbolts.
• If doors have windowpanes, they should have double-cylinder deadbolts; otherwise, a thief can break the glass, reach in and let himself in (Double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to open them from both sides.)
• A wide-angle peephole installed at eyelevel permits you to see who is there without opening the door. It is much more preferable than a chain lock for this purpose.
• Strike plates (where the lock fits into the door frame) should be installed with 2 1/2" screws to provide maximum security.

Windows:

• If a burglar can’t easily get through a door, he may well try a window. Proper home security should take this fact into account. While most burglars avoid breaking glass due to the fear of attracting attention, they usually try to pry open windows. There are many inexpensive products on the market for preventing this type of entry.
• With casement windows, make sure the latch works properly and that the crank has no excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware.
• With sliding windows, the primary objective is to keep the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of the track. Pins, anti-slide blocks and slide bolts are effective methods of deterrence.
• Double-hung window latches may be jimmied, or pried open. If the window is not used, pin it shut. For windows that are used, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window and into the bottom of the top window. Insert a pin or nail.
• Louvered windows are poor security risks. We suggest they be replaced with a solid glass or another type of ventilating widow. Temporary security can be maintained by removing the window crank.

Remember, one window in every bedroom on the ground and second floor must be left available as a fire exit. At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest and safest means of getting out in case of an emergency.

One final word: Don’t let bushes and shrubs obscure windows. Keep this foliage trimmed back so you have a clear view outdoors. Remember - burglars need some sort of cover. A tall, thick shrub next to the house provides an ideal hiding place.

Garages:

• The single lock on the garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in.
• Add another bolt and padlock to the opposite side.
• Install a pair of cane bolts to the inside. (Note: These are operable only from the inside.)
• Add a top center hasp. Hasps are hardened steel and installed with carriage bolts through the door or gate.

That Lived-in Look:

• Don’t let a would-be thief know when your home is empty. You’re much less likely to be burglarized if your home appears to be occupied.
• Lighting is one of the most important, and yet simplest, methods of securing your home. Good exterior light is important, particularly when the yard is filled with shrubs and trees. The best possible location for outside lights is under the eaves. This makes ground-level entry more difficult because it illuminates would-be hiding places. Remember: thieves need darkness or some type of cover.

Burn a light inside at night even when you are away. This will be confusing to a burglar as well as make him more vulnerable if he’s caught in the act. The light can also silhouette him through the window to warn you of his presence.

When you are on vacation, take several additional precautions:

• Instead of discontinuing newspaper and other deliveries, ask a neighbor to pick up these items for you. Ask the neighbor to do the same for your mail, so it doesn’t pile up.
• Mow your grass just before you leave and arrange for it to be cut again in a week, if you’ll not be back by then.
• Don’t leave notes to anyone regarding your whereabouts or arrangements in your absence. You’re simply advertising that you’re not at home. Handle these instructions by phone or in person before you leave.
• Don’t publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper accounts of other people’s vacation activities.
• Arrange for police or neighbors to make periodic checks of your home.
• If you arrive at home and discover you’ve been burglarized, call the police immediately (911). Don’t touch anything. Preserve the scene until the police can investigate.

Common-Sense:

• Don’t display expensive items in plain view. Keep them out of sight when not in use.
• Keep ladders locked in the garage. Burglars can use them for otherwise inaccessible second-story windows.
• Don’t open your door to strangers. Be wary of solicitors and salesmen: check their identification. If strangers ask to use the telephone, tell them to stay outside when you make the call for them.
• Don’t give information to strangers about your neighbors.
• Keep your doors locked while working in the yard. Someone could slip in while you’re not looking.
• Don’t advertise new gifts or purchases. Break up cartons before leaving them at the curb.
• Call the police (911) if you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood.
• If you see a burglar in action, get a good description of him, his car and his tag number. Write it down and call the police immediately.