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How To Protect Your Home
While Away
Be sure to lock before you leave, and
let a neighbor have a key.
When leaving your home, practice the
following advice - it could
pay big, big dividends.
GOING TO THE
MARKET OR OUT TO DINNER?
A residence which presents a "lived-in"
appearance is a deterrent
to burglars. Never leave notes that can
inform a burglar that
your house is unoccupied. Make certain all
windows and doors
are secured before departing. An empty garage
advertises your
absence, so close the doors.
When going out at
night, leave one or more interior lights on
and perhaps have a radio
playing (TV sets should not be left
unattended). Timers may be
purchased that will turn lights
on and off during your
absence.
Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats,
inside
an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other
obvious
places.
WHEN PLANNING VACATIONS OR PROLONGED ABSENCES
-
Discontinue milk, newspaper, and other deliveries by phone or
in
person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.
Arrange for lawn care and
have someone remove advertising
circulars and other debris regularly.
On the other hand,
several toys scattered about will create an
impression of
occupancy.
Notify the post office to forward your
mail or have a
trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house
tenants
should also heed this hint since stuffed mail receptacles
are
a give-away when no one is home.
Inform neighbors of your
absence so they can be extra alert
for suspicious persons. Leave a key
with them so your place
may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary
the positions
of your shades and blinds.
When you leave, do not
publicize your plans. Some burglars
specialize in reading newspaper
accounts of other people's
vacation activities.
If you find a
door or window has been forced or broken while
you were away, DO NOT
ENTER. The criminal may still be
inside. Use a neighbor's phone
immediately to summon police.
Do not touch anything or clean up if
a crime has occurred.
Preserve the scene until police inspect for
evidence.
ALWAYS REMEMBER TO -
1. Lock before
you leave.
2. Trust a neighbor with a
key.
3. Be a concerned neighbor -
yourself.
Also Read "How to Protect Your Home From Intruders", "How
To
Burglar Proof Your Doors" and "How To Burglar Proof
Your
Windows".