{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\deff0\deflang2057{\fonttbl{\f0\fswiss\fcharset0 Arial;}} {\*\generator Msftedit 5.41.15.1503;}\viewkind4\uc1\pard\b\f0\fs20 Crime Prevention Tips - Home Security\par \b0\par Carelessness accounts for a large number of burglaries on domestic properties.\par In some cases thieves had only to turn a key left in the lock. Others had only to look under the doormat or another of those favorite "hiding places" to find the key. \par REMEMBER, a lock is not a lock unless you use it. \par The object of securing your home properly is to deter thieves. A determined thief may still get in, but by taking a few relatively simple precautions you can greatly slow the thief down and thus increase his chances of being caught. \par Household burglaries involve three factors: The Victim, The (Criminal) Desire, and The Opportunity. The first two are constant. Lock Doctor seeks to reduce the opportunity. \par Being insured is not enough! \par No insurance policy can replace personal items such as family photographs and jewelry. \par Remember \par Break ins do occur when people are at home asleep, watching television, etc. \par Assaults do occur in the home. \par Some simple precautions \par If you take the precautions outlined below, a would be thief will quickly see what he or she is up against and probably look for an easier target. Be aware of the need to protect your home and yourself at all times. \par Good quality deadlocks on all perimeter doors and key operated locks on sliding doors. \par Key operated locks on all windows more vulnerable windows can be fitted with steel security grilles. \par Good quality interior security grilles on skylights. \par Garage and other exterior buildings (workshops, garden shed, etc) secured with padlocks. \par Exterior lighting an effective deterrent. \par An intruder alarm system. \par A torch and drill resistant floor safe (set in concrete). \par Time switches to turn on/off lights, radio, etc, while you are absent from the home. \par Display your house number clearly to enable emergency vehicles to find your house easily. \par Lock away tools, ladders and other implements which a thief could use to break into your home. \par Never leave notes which a thief could read (to the milkman, family, friends, etc). \par Don't leave keys in "hiding places" around the house for a thief to find. \par Keep valuable documents in a bank, with a solicitor, etc. \par Don't leave your house keys with your car keys when having your vehicle serviced or when using a parking station. \par When going away \par Don't close blinds, curtains, etc., that are normally left open; make the house look "lived in". \par Arrange for a neighbor to change the curtains around and generally give the house a "lived in" appearance. \par Cancel milk, bread and newspaper deliveries. \par Stop your mail at the local Post Office and arrange for a neighbor to clear your letterbox of any other material daily. \par Arrange for a neighbor to mow your lawn if you are going to be absent for any length of time. \par Let your local police know you will be absent, and who has the key. \par Let a responsible person know where you are going and how to contact you in case of an emergency. \par Motor vehicles \par Never leave your keys in the vehicle, motorcycle, etc, even in your own garage. \par Never leave your registration papers or driver's license in the vehicle. \par Never leave valuables in view. \par Avoid parking in quiet or secluded areas. \par Install a good quality alarm system. \par REMEMBER, they who do nothing to prevent crime encourage it! \par }