Preventative Measures

Dogs and Security Animals
- Get a large, intimidating dog. If that’s not feasible, even a small, noisy dog can act as a deterrent. - Watch for suspicious food left outside (potential poison for your dog).

Secure Windows and Doors
- Avoid using window air conditioners, as they can be easily removed for entry.
- Use solid steel doors and reinforced steel door frames to withstand forced entry.
- Lock all doors and windows, including patio doors, even if you’re on a high floor.
- Install deadbolts on every exterior door.

Lights and Visibility
- Install motion-activated lights around your property.
- Keep the area around your house well-lit and free of hiding spots like overgrown bushes.

Cameras and Alarms
- Use visible security cameras or decoys. Real cameras are preferred, as they can capture evidence.
- Invest in a home alarm system or at least get alarm system stickers to place in visible locations.

Yard and Perimeter Security
- Make backyard access difficult with high fences or locked gates.
- Keep your garage door closed at all times.

Avoid Advertising Valuables
- Keep expensive items out of sight from windows.
- Avoid posting your whereabouts or high-value possessions on social media.

Personal and Social Precautions
- Don’t answer the door for strangers. Burglars often pose as salespeople to case houses.
- Don’t host open parties with unknown guests.
- Be cautious about who you allow in your home, including maintenance workers and acquaintances.

Car and Key Management
- Don’t leave car keys near the front door where they can be easily grabbed.
- Keep your car empty of valuables and locked securely.

Storage of High-Value Items
- Use a safe for valuables and keep it locked at all times.
- Store extremely valuable items like heirlooms in a bank safety deposit box.

Miscellaneous Tips
- Shred sensitive documents before disposal to avoid identity theft.
- Backup computer data to a cloud service in case your devices are stolen.

During a Burglary

Prioritize Safety
- If possible, leave the house immediately. Your safety is more important than possessions.
- Avoid confrontation; burglars often have the upper hand in physical altercations.

Alert Authorities
- Call the police as soon as you’re in a safe location.
- Provide details about the burglary and file a report for insurance claims.

Defensive Measures
- The sound of a shotgun being cocked or a car alarm being triggered can deter intruders.
- Use mace, bear spray, or wasp spray for self-defense if necessary.

Disrupt Their Plan
- Behave unpredictably: scream, act crazy, or even get naked. Thieves plan for a specific scenario and may flee if their plan is disrupted.

General Advice

• Neighborhood Awareness
• Stay informed about local crime trends and share information with neighbors.

• Build relationships with trustworthy neighbors to create a community watch network.

• Insurance Preparedness

• Keep receipts and serial numbers for valuables.

• Ensure your insurance policy covers high-value items and update it as needed.

• Avoid Risky Behavior

• Don’t associate with sketchy individuals or engage in illegal activities, as these increase your risk of being targeted.

By combining these measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a burglary and protect yourself effectively during an incident.

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