Security Tips from IAM

Think like a criminal.  Go outside.  Walk around and look at your home through the eyes of a criminal.  Plan to "burglarize" yourself.   You many discover weaknesses in your security system that may have previously escaped your notice.

• It's essential to lock up your home at all times. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window and some will come in whether you are there or not.
• Your want your house to appear occupied at all times. Use timers to switch lights and radios on and off when you're not at home.
• Remember that most neighbors ignore an alarm that goes off.  Especially if you set yours off from time to time either accidently or because it is faulty.
• Loiding is the method of slipping a plastic credit card against the latch tongue to depress it and unlock the door. A deadbolt defies any such attack. It is only vulnerable when there is enough space between the door and its frame to allow an intruder to use power tools or a hacksaw.  Avoid using spring-latch locks.
• Change the locks immediately if you lose your house keys.
• Don't turn your house key over to a professional house cleaner for even for several hours before make sure the person is honest and reputable as well as hardworking. Check all of their references thoroughly.  If the house cleaner is from a firm, call and do a background check on the firm as well as the person.
• Make sure you don't leave notes for service people or family members on the door where they can be seen.  These act as a welcome mat for burglars.
• Keep in touch with your neighbors and ask about any suspicious people or strange cars you notice lurking about.   Join or activate a local neighborhood watch.
• Keep in touch with your local police or enforcement agencies.  Don't be shy reporting suspicious activity.  They will most likely increase patrols in your area.
• Be careful about door to door solicitors and from anyone who comes to your door. Ask for credentials and to see if they have a local license.  Ask that their ID be pushed under the door. Many professional burglars use this cover to check out homes. Don't let anyone you don't know or have a prearranged appointment with inside your house. 
• In case someone comes to your door asking to use the phone to call a mechanic or the police, keep the door locked and make the call yourself. 
• Always be careful of strangers no matter how nice or professional they might seem.
• Make sure you do not list your full name on your mailbox or your entry in the telephone book. Use only your initial and your last name.  Security Tips courtesy of Interstate Alarm Monitoring.