PRACTICAL TIPS TO SECURE YOUR HOME, PROTECT 
YOUR FAMILY AND VALUABLES

by William G. Schlake

Copyright 1993 by Hobson Square Publishing. All rights reserved.
No part of this report may be reproduced or transmitted in any
form by electronic, mechanical, photocopying or other means
without the express written permission of the author or
publisher.

INTRODUCTION

It's no secret that crime is increasing every year and is
invading what once was considered "safe communities. " As the
following FBI report shows, crime is on the rise. Crimes against
property occurs on the average of 20 times a minute with
estimated $1,000 loss for each occurrence. Burglary is a crime
of opportunity where entry is gained due to the carelessness of
homeowners.

Single family homes are twice as likely to be burglarized than
apartments. While receiving a lot of publicity when it happens,
hotels and motels account for less than 3% of all burglaries The
most likely things to be stolen in a burglary are cash, small
electronic equipment, home computers, cameras, jewelry, furs,
tools and hand guns.

Few people really bother about security until something happens
to them, or a neighbor. The public's complacent attitude is
burglar's best friend, and your worst enemy. There are many
things the average person can do to make their home less of a
target. This report will get your started on the right road.
Remember the two things any burglar fears the most are being
seen, and having to take too much time to complete the crime.

While burglars typically "target" a home when no one is home, if
you surprise one in the act, your chances of being injured too
high to attempt to intervene. A sobering statistic shows many
homeowners attempting to defend themselves, family members or
their property with a weapon - end up having it turned on
themselves.

Vital statistics on Crime in the United States,
reported offenses 1985-1991
Source: Uniform Crime Reports FBI

	 VIOLENT    PROPERTY    MURDER &      FORCIBLE
YEAR	 CRIMES      CRIMES    MANSLAUGHTER     RAPE
------------------------------------------------------
1985   1,328,870   11,102,600     18,980       87,670
1986   1,489,170   11,722,700     20,610       91,460
1987   1,484,000   12,024,700     20,100       91,110
1988   1,566,220   12,356,900     20,680       92,490
1989   1,646,040   12,605,400     21,500       94,500
1990   1,820,130   12,655,500     23,440      102,560
1991   1,911,770   12,961,100     24,700      106,590

                                 LARCENY
YEAR     ROBBERY     BURGLARY    & THEFT
------------------------------------------
1985     497,870    3,073,300    6,926,400
1986     542,780    3,241,400    7,257,200
1987     517,700    3,236,200    7,499,900
1988     542,970    3,218,100    7,705,900
1989     578,330    3,168,200    7,872,400
1990     639,270    3,073,900    7,945,700
1991     687,730    3,157,200    8,142,200

A SECURITY SURVEY

Many local law enforcement agencies will provide a free "walk
through" of your property. The purpose is to identify all
potential trouble spots and determine what steps can be
implemented to improve the overall security of your property.
You can probably organize a "block party" and have the police
"sweep" your entire block. Because of cost-cutting many local
law enforcement agencies are stretched to the limit and there
may be a long waiting list. Sometimes off-duty police officers
will do this kind of work for a nominal fee. A few words of
caution are in order if you have some third party security
company do a survey for you. Many of course will do a free
survey to get their foot in your door and try and sell you their
security devices. So be forewarned that a locksmith will
probably try and sell you better locks, a alarm company a
security system and so on. So use common sense.

PUT YOURSELF IN A BURGLAR'S SHOES

One thing every homeowner should do at least twice a year is
take a walk around and through your property with a close friend
or neighbor who is not too familiar with your house. Start
outside and ask yourself "how would I best break in? The purpose
of not doing it alone is your pal may spot things you'll
overlook. Return the favor and complete a survey for your friend.

Besides the obvious "lived-in" look, don't get into a habit of
only doing certain things only when you're not home. Chances are
good you can tell when your neighbor isn't home. Remember it's a
burglar's job to know the same things. Most professional
criminals can tell nobody's home at least four or five houses
away.

Several dead giveaways are always closing the drapes ONLY when
you're not home. Having no garbage cans out collection day, or
an empty can sitting at the curb, are tip-offs you're not home.
So are closing up the house as tight as a drum in the hot summer
months without the air-conditioner running. Turning on a certain
light or two and every other room is in total darkness. Ditto
for picking up all the kid's toys, taking in the dog, shutting
the garage door if you frequently leave it open, and turning off
the lawn sprinkler.

Many people before leaving turn on the "burglar light, " the
light over the kitchen sink. You might as well hang a sign on
the front door you're not home! If you use an answering machine
never leave a message that you're not home. Instead say you
can't come to the phone right now. If you don't have a machine,
turn down the volume on phones before leaving so it can't be
heard from outside - another dead giveaway nobody's home.

EFFECTIVE BURGLAR DETERRENTS

You've probably head it several times and it's true! A dog is
one of the best deterrents. Not because it's vicious, it need
not even be seen, but it has to be heard. A dog with a menacing
bark will scare away a lot of would-be burglars, not only
because they don't know what kind of dog you have and what risk
it would be to them if try tried to break in, but more likely
because a noisy dog will create a disturbance and get attention
- the last thing a burglar wants!

If you don't have a dog there's nothing stopping you from
pretending. A Beware of Dog sign on your fence, a dog house in
the back yard, even a loose dog chain or bowl can drive away a
potential burglar. Don't be fooled by companies that provide
cheap electronic "dogs" who bark none stop if a intruder trips a
relay or otherwise signals his presence. Most experienced
prowlers are familiar with these devices and won't be fooled or
scared off.

Electronic devices that are effective besides the typical whole
house alarm systems for windows and doors are infrared or motion
detectors that sense movement or the heat given off by one's
body. Anyone approaching too close will trigger any number of
attached devices. The most effective are powerful lights or
burglar horns that either flood the area with light or fill the
air with a deafening sound without notice. Just like a barking
dog, the would-be burglar will usually hightail it out of there
for fear of being discovered.

To be effective, the sensitivity of such devices much not be set
too high or stray animals will set them off too frequently which
will get you on the wrong side of your neighbors. Also be sure
such devices are high enough that they can't be easily turned
off or broken.

SECURING DOORS

Illegal entry through the front door occurs more often than all
other points of entry combined! All exterior doors should be of
solid hard wood or steel reinforced. A good door does no good if
the door frame is in bad shape or of inferior construction. Pay
special attention to the door jams. Most, even in expensive
homes are made out of cheap pine. It don't take much force to
"kick in" the door even if protected with dead bolts, if the
strike plate is attached with only a couple of 1/2 or 3/4 inch
screws.

Take a few minutes and install 2-1/2 to 3 inch stainless steel
or nickel plated screws in all your exterior door jams. Be sure
screws go at least 1-3/4 inch deep into the underlying framing
lumber. While you at it, consider getting heavy duty strike
plates or a door reinforcer kit sold in many larger home
improvement centers. Be advised you may have to chisel out more
of the door jam to install but it's worth the effort for the
greater protection provided. Another way to increase the chances
of your door holding is to further protect it from being kicked
in by installing a device on the floor that the door rests
against on inside center when shut, and swings away when the
door opens.

Any kind of sliding glass door is a favorite target. Guard
against the door being lifted up and out by installing several
screws into the door's upper track. Open and shut the door
through its entire range to allow just enough of the screw's
head protruding to allow free movement without allowing the door
to be removed. Several devices can be installed into the door's
upper or lower track that acts much like a dead bold by running
a heavy pin through the door track and deep into the frarne.
Just having a length of old broom handle at a 45 degree angle in
the door track also prevents the door from easily being forced
open and works nearly as well!

You garage door is easy pickings unless you have a electronic
door opener. Today these devices are fairly cheap (around $150)
and make it practically impossible to force open the overhead
door from the outside without breaking through the actual door
panels due to the high tension produced from the worm drive or
chain device that makes the openers work Yes, it is possible for
burglar to punch in the right code and gain access, but with
today's remote controls providing so many possible combinations,
the odds are very slight, and the burglar won't waste the time
trying all the possibilities.

Final bit of advice on automatic door openers. Do be sure to
change the security code from the preinstalled settings which
are almost always set to zeros. Also, if you notice your door
open and you're sure you shut it, one of your neighbors probably
set his opener to the same code. Take the time to change your
setting, or you're giving a potential burglar a great
opportunity to gain free access.

SECURING WINDOWS

Burglars break windows as a last resort - or by accident. The
preferred method is cutting a access hole or slipping in a thin
stiff wire and undoing the locking device. Most double hung
windows have cheap locks which should be replaced by heavy duty
sash locks or even keyed locks, if you can put up with the
inconvenience. An old trick is installing a small eyebolt in
either corner. If done correctly the window can't be opened,
with the eyebolt in place from the outside. Of course you could
screw the window shut by drilling a hole through the frame but
it defeats the purpose of having a window, and presents a fire
hazard. Not recommended.

The safest windows are glass block. Almost impossible to break
through, they of course can't be opened and are not as pleasing
to look at. A good choice for basements or areas at or near
ground level.

Another good protection is installed roll-a-way electric
security shutters, or decorative security grates. The main down
side is they can prove to be a serious fire hazard and prevent
your escape. Newer models install on tracks or can easily be
pushed open from inside to lessen their danger in the event of
fire and the thick smoke sure to accompany it.

HOUSEHOLD INVENTORY

The above steps can go a long way to protecting your home but no
matter how secure your residence is, if a professional burglar
has targeted your home and is determined to break in, the
unthinkable may still happen. To aid law enforcement agencies
and greatly assist in insurance claims you should maintain a
detailed household inventory of all your valuables.

It makes sense to "mark" important items with some permanent
identifying mark. There are a variety of simple tools you can
rent that will engrave serial numbers, a driver's license number
or some other unique marking into your valuables.

Remember most burglars "fence" stolen items in order to get
cash, usually for illegal drugs. You'll greatly reduce the
chances of someone walking off with your TV, VCR or other
valuables if it has a conspicuous ID number that can't be
removed, simply because it will greatly reduce its street value
and make it too much work to get rid of, and of course it is a
lot easier to trace and return the property to the rightful
owner.

Today, many people have a video camera. Sweep each room and
record the contents from several different prospectives. Next,
take close-ups of really important items. To tie-in, have a
family member pose with the valuables. In a clear voice identify
each item, the date of purchase, price paid and model and serial
numbers. Remember to update the tape every time you purchase
something new.

If you don't have a video camera, a regular camera also works
well. Make a companion audio tape to go along with it. It very
important that the tapes or pictures be kept off the property or
they may be stolen or damaged. Keep them in a safety deposit
box. Now set aside a hour or so and complete the security check
list on the following page. Correct weak points as soon as
possible and your home and belongings will be more secure.

HOME SECURITY AND SAFETY CHECK LIST

GENERAL SECURITY

Have you arranged to have member of a law enforcement agency do
a professional survey?

Are all trees and shrubs pruned and well maintained to prevent
anyone from hiding unseen?

Do any trees, down pipes, lattice work provide easy access to
upper floors?

If you have skylights can they be removed from the outside or
easily broken?

Any ladders, tools kept outside to assist any potential intruder?

Are you guilty of keeping a hidden house key outside the house
where it's sure to be found?

Is your home well lighted with particular attention to exterior
doors?

Can your main entrance be seen from the street?

Are exterior doors at least 1-3/4 inch thick and made from solid
wood or reinforced with metal?

Do all exterior doors have heavy duty dead bolts and reinforced
door jams?

Can anyone gain easy access through a mail slot, dryer vent, or
pet entrance?

If doors have glass panels can someone break through and defeat
the locking mechanism?

Have all sliding glass doors been protected from being easily
lifted out from their frames?

Are all exterior lights and security devices in good working
order and protected from breakage?

Does the door from the attached garage leading to the house have
a dead bolt?

Does your overhead door have a working electronic door opener?

Does your overhead door have any loose, broken or missing door
panels or hardware?

Do you keep the overhead doors closed, and your car locked
inside the garage?

Do all windows have reinforced locking devices that can be
secured in the open position?

Do all screens and storm windows have reinforced locks?

Do ground level windows have guards or grates?

Are basement windows glass block or protected by grates or
security devices?

All irreplaceable items kept in high quality fire resistant safe
or in off-site safety deposit box?

Do you have a complete and current video tape or pictures of all
your valuables off-site?

Are all firearms kept secured and apart from ammunition?

FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY

Is your heating system in proper working order and inspected for
dangerous leaks yearly?

Is there ample air circulation around appliances that are likely
to overheat?

Any overloaded circuits, long extension cords runs, too many
devices plugged unto one outlet?

Fireplaces, chimney free of dangerous build ups that could catch
on fue?

Protective grate in front of fireplace to prevent sparks, hot
logs from rolling into room?

Kitchen oven hood and far clear of greasy build-up that could
cause a fire?

Smoke detectors installed on each level and tested weekly?

Smoke detector batteries replaced every 12 months or less?

Working fire extinguisher in kitchen, basement, garage, auto?

All family members sleep with bedroom door closed to prevent
spread of fire, smoke?

All family members practice fire drill, know escape route,
designated meeting pace to go outside?

Children know how to use phone to get help in an emergency?

WHEN AWAY FOR EXTENDED PERIODS

Security system armed? Automatic timers for lights, radio turned
on? Phones turned down?

Arrange for neighbor to watch house, cut, water grass, give
house that lived-in look?

No change in normal pattern of opening, shutting drapes, dead
give-away lighting patterns?

Arrange to stop mail, newspaper delivery, yard work performed?

Arrange to have local police give "special attention" for area
beat car?