Holidays are coming-How about Home Security?

Home Security Basics by Marc Dean

Many of these steps are actually simple things that people have been doing for generations, such as locking their doors and windows (even those on the second floor). And if you're going away on vacation, asking a trusted neighbor to retrieve the mail and newspaper each day, and setting up a light timer to give the appearance of someone being home in the evening. While these are all steps that should definitely be taken, there are plenty of others. For example:

Do not share information regarding your vacation plans with people you do not know. Providing even the smallest indication that you will be away from home may be all the information that someone needs to plan and execute a break-in while you are gone.
If your vacation will take you away from home during the winter months, be sure to make arrangements to have someone take care of your snow removal in the event it snows. Un-shoveled sidewalks and driveways can provide an easy indication that no one is home.

Store ladders in your garage or in a place where they can not be easily seen. A ladder lying along side of a house or under a deck might be all an intruder needs to break into your home through an upper floor window.
Keep valuable items such as laptop computers, pocketbooks and wallets out of plain view. Thieves typically look through windows before breaking in; seeing a laptop on the kitchen table or a wallet lying on the kitchen counter may provide the incentive they need to attempt gaining access.
Boxes from expensive electronic equipment such as computers, televisions and DVD players should be broken down before they are left out for recycling. Leaving the boxes intact by your curb provides a clear indication that there are valuable items in the home.

Finally, it is always a good idea to keep a current inventory of all the valuables you have in your home. Some people find it helpful to review that list each month and make additions and deletions as needed. Having a current inventory will be an invaluable resource if you do become victimized by an intruder.

Marc Dean is a freelance writer who writes for Preferred Consumer. He has done significant research online on home & garden, and how to protect your real estate or apartment.

Article Source: Home Security Basics