How to keep your home safe while it's open to the public.

A burglary is committed every 20 seconds, with nearly 1.6 million such crimes nationwide
annually, according to the FBI's 2015 Crime in the United States report. That's down 7.8
percent from 2014. Total property crime, which includes arson, larceny theft, and motor vehicle
theft, reached nearly 8 million instances in 2015, down 2.6 percent from 2014.

1. Maintain your property. Especially in the wintertime, many people stay indoors and neglect
may think it's abandoned and, therefore, an easy target. Shoveling your walkways to clear
timely manner will signal that the home is occupied.

2. Know your neighbors. Many people don't really know their neighbors; it's more than just
(especially your agent). Then they'll know who is and isn't supposed to be at your home and
can better assess when there may be a threat while you're gone.

3. Assess your home's vulnerability. Walk to the curb and face your house. Ask yourself,
"How would I get in if I were locked out?" The first thing you think of, whether it's the window
with a broken lock or the door that won't shut all the way, is exactly how a thief will get in.

4. Respect the power of lighting. Criminals are cowards, and they don't want to be seen. The
house that is well-lit at night provides a deterrent because thieves don't want the attention
and the potential to be caught by witnesses. It's wise to invest in tools that make nighftime
signifies the occupant is gone for an extended period of time.

technology has made it easier to make it appear like people are home, even when they're
available at hardware stores are also good for this purpose.

6. Yes, it has to be said: Lock your doors. It's amazing how many people think they live in a

single-cylinder and a double-cylinder deadboft Double-cylinder deadbolts are recommended
regulations in some places, so check with your local police department's crime prevention

8. Blare the sirens. Burglars are usually in and out in less than five minutes, and they know
police can't respond to an alarm that quickly. Their bigger concern is witnesses to their crime.
system or a DIY alarm. Even if you don't have an alarm, it's not a bad idea to invest in fake
security signs and post them near doors.

9. Consider surveillance cameras. The Los Angeles Police Department started a program
capability that allows homeowners to view what's outside their door on their smartphone, in a
effective even if you don't actually have the cameras installed!)

10. Mark your valuables and record details. Use invisible-ink pens or engravers to mark
identifying information (driver's license or state ID numbers) on items. Log serial numbers
Courtesy of Tracey Hawkins, contributor to Realtor. mag