Home security tips offered

Although burglaries occur more than 2 million times each year in the U.S., home defense can be easier than you may think.

These 10 tips from safety experts can keep you from being part of the statistics.

1. The key to preventing burglaries is to lock your home’s entryways during the day and night. One in three burglaries are through unlocked doors and windows.

2. Use deadbolt locks on all exterior entrances. Use solid core doors and secure them with top-quality door hardware.

3. Use motion-activated lighting for yards and porches. The animation of the light creates a psychological barrier for criminals.

4. Use glass brick around entryways and secure grates onto door sidelights. Where building codes allow, install double cylinder deadbolts that need to be opened with a key from the inside as well as the outside.

5. Maintain the appearance of occupancy when away using timers on lights, TVs and radios. Have a neighbor pick up mail and newspapers rather than submitting stop-service orders.

6. Start a Neighborhood Watch Program and get to know your neighbors’ names and faces.

7. Never hide keys under a doormat, in planters or taped above the door jamb. Only leave keys with trusted neighbors or family.

8. Inform police and neighbors about strangers in private yards or near windows. Call 911 if an emergency threatens human life or property.

9. Empty TV, computer and stereo boxes in the trash tempt criminals.

10. New homeowners should re-key or replace all exterior locks so former owners don’t have access. Only 23 percent of new homeowners change the locks to their new home.

This story was provided by the North American Precis Syndicate.