| 1. |
Lower your garage
doors during the daytime when all your cars are gone. An empty
garage is an invitation to a burglar. |
| 2. |
Keep your car keys
in a secure place and never leave them in your car, even if it is
in a locked garage. |
| 3. |
Lock all doors and
windows securely. Place a sturdy metal or wooden rod on the track
of patio doors to prevent them from being opened even if the lock
is "jimmied." |
| 4. |
Leave lights on at
night if you plan to be away from your home. Lights on timers are
helpful, especially when leaving town. When out of town, never
leave outside lights burning during daylight hours. |
| 5. |
Leave a radio
playing to give the impression that someone is in your home. |
| 6. |
Consider installing
"call-forwarding" so that phones will be answered to create the
appearance that your residence is occupied. |
| 7. |
Secure expensive
jewelry and firearms when leaving town. Notify (WCOP) dispatcher
713-451-6466 and neighbors on both sides of your residence that
you will be gone. Otherwise, keep your absence confidential. |
| 8. |
Consider installing
a security system. Only a small percentage of the burglaries
occur in homes protected with security
systems. Displaying window decals indicating that a home is
protected with a security system is one of the best deterrents
against burglary. If you have an alarm system, remember to
activate your perimeter alarm when you are in your home. |
| 9. |
Don't forget
- Harris County Deputies will perform an inspection on the
security of your home. Homes that pass inspection can save up
to 20% on homeowners insurance premiums.
Call 713-759-9454 for more information. |
