- Keep doors and windows
locked.
- Make sure every external door has a sturdy well-installed deadbolt lock
(including the door between the garage and the house).
- Install secondary locks on all sliding glass doors (such as pins, bolt locks,
charlie bars).
- Use thumb locks on windows.
- Always keep the garage door closed (and locked when possible).
- Don’t leave a key under the mat or other outdoor spot (give to a trusted
neighbor).
- Do not carry an identification tag on your key ring.
- Install motion-sensored lights.
- Main your yard (prune shrubbery away from windows).
- Clearly display your house number (never display your name).
- A garage door is most secure with windows. If your garage has windows, cover
them).
- Turn blinds and shutters in your house upwards so burglars cannot see in.
- When you travel, make sure your house looks lived-in.
- Do not stop mail or newspaper (ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up every
day).
- Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your house and to check for items that may
indicate you are not home (packages, brochures at front door, etc.).
- Use timers for household lights.
- Arrange to have grass mowed.
- Leave a radio on a timer.
- Use a central station – monitored alarm system.
- Use operation identification on all valuables.
- Photograph or video property.
- Engrave property with driver’s license number.
- Inventory property and record serial numbers.
- Keep your eyes and ears open and look out for your neighbors (don’t let that
newspaper sit in the driveway all day)!
- To report a crime in progress, call “911”, and to report suspicious activity,
call 407-737-2400.
It is up to each of us to take responsibility for our homes and our
neighborhood.