FYI Magazine

Prevent home break-ins any time of the year

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The joys of the holidays are many: Sharing eggnog, exchanging presents, trimming the tree, contacting the police to report a robbery. The last one certainly isn't a joy, but it's an all-too common reality of the season. But the holidays aren't the only times that home break-ins take place. There's no telling what goes through the minds of thieves, and preparing for any situation is the way to avoid loss due to theft.

• Break down cardboard boxes. There's no better way to tell thieves about all the new presents you received than by advertising them at the curbside. Burglars will see that empty television box or other expensive gadget boxes put out for pickup and have a clue about the new goodies inside the home. Instead, cut up the boxes and bundle them with newspapers so they are inconspicuous.
• Lock every door and window all the time -- including the garage. Many people fail to realize that the garage presents a great point of entry to the house, one that is private and away from the eyes of concerned neighbors. Once inside the garage, a thief can use tools in the garage to pick at the lock on an inside door to the home.
• Forget about hiding keys. Thieves know about all the places homeowners hide spare keys. You're not fooling anyone with faux rocks or a key taped over the door. If you're prone to forgetting your keys, leave a spare pair with a trusted neighbor instead.
• Don't advertise your status on social network sites. You may be excited to share your vacation adventures with friends, but posting pictures of your vacation or telling others about when you're planning to leave the house can be dangerous. Even if you have your security settings locked down to only friends, the fewer people who know about your whereabouts the better. Your list of 200 friends may not be the closest friends anymore.
• Trim bushes and fix lighting. Darkness and camouflage are a thief's best friends. Being able to hide behind shrubs to jimmy a window or lock hides him or her from others who may witness suspicious activity. Keep landscaping neat around doorways and windows, and promptly replenish any burned-out bulbs.
• Don't give burglars easy access. Leaving ladders or items that can turn into stepping stools enables thieves to reach any window or door of the house -- even upstairs windows that may be unlocked.
• Keep things out of easy view. Some people love the open look of drape-free windows. However, giving outsiders a clear view of the interior of your home can set you up for trouble, as it gives thieves a view of your valuables. Close the blinds after dark and especially when you're leaving the home for a time.

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