Wouldn't it be great if we lived in a world without crime? Unfortunately, that is not the case and crime is everywhere. Here are a few tips to help deter criminals from hurting you.
Never Leave Mail in Your Mailbox Overnight
Better yet, get the mail as soon as it is delivered. On a daily basis most people get sensitive material in the mail, e.g., bank statements and credit offers. Don't give this material to someone who intends on stealing from you.Use A Quality Deadbolt
The deadbolt should stick out at least 1 inch from the edge of the door. Also, change the screws on the strike plate(that's the metal piece the dead bolt slides into.) The installer's will usually use a screw that is only 1 ½ inches long. Take those out and replace them with three inch screws. This will make it harder to force the door open.Put Several Screws in The Upper Tracks of Windows
Most windows nowadays are made so they can be pushed up and out. This is for convenience and I imagine easy cleaning. This also makes it easy gain entry into your house. A simple fix for this is by putting a small screw inside the window track(in top two corners). Take your time, leave just enough clearance for the window to slide back and forth.Use a Wood “Jam”
In addition to putting screws in the window track, cut a piece of wood and place it in the window track. An old broom handle will do the trick, but anything that is at least 1 inch in diameter will work. This will add more security to your windows.Use a Door Viewer
You should have a door viewer(peephole) installed on your door. This allows you to see who is at the door without opening it first.
Have Lots of Exterior Lights
You want your yard to be really lit up at night. Have lots of exterior lights and use motion sensors if you wish. The point is that a person who is prowling around at night wants to hide and they can't hide in the light, right?Always Keep Your Garage Door Shut
This is a good habit to get into. Check your garage door, windows and doors at night. Make sure they are locked. It's not a bad idea to keep the garage door shut during the day too. An unanswered knock is as good as a sign saying no one is home.Keep Shrubbery Trimmed
Keeping a well-manicured yard will help keep the crooks away. This allows neighbors to see what's going on in your yard. Neighbors are great! Ask them to keep an eye on your house while you're at work or away from home. It also allows you to see your yard from the inside, so keep the shrubs and trees away from windows.Install A Security System
This is a great way to protect your home. It might even lower your homeowner's insurance. Security system's are monitored 24/7 and a police department or fire departments response time is usually quite fast.Put a Fence in the Front Yard
Consider using a small fence in your front yard. It doesn't need to completely enclose your front yard. It should be something to make people walk where you want them to. Even planting some type of hedge along your grass will do the trick.
I know I said I was only going to give you ten tips, but I'll give you one for free.
Don't Leave Anything Valuable In Your Cars
Don't leave anything valuable especially in plain sight. Think of the old adage, “see not, want not.”
We need to be more watchful of ourselves and make sure we limit the options a criminal has. By doing these ten things, you can dramatically decrease your chances of being victimized.
I know of someone that left a camera and CD's in plain site and went into work. Well when they returned their car window had been broke and everything of value was stolen. Personal items are not covered by insurance either.
When you have been violated like that it makes you sick.