Stack The Deck

Take a few minutes to "case" your own house. Inspect weak doors or locks, low or easily opened windows, and dark areas that provide easy cover. Sliding patio doors, basement windows, and garage doors are common weak points. Look for valuables lying in plain view, especially those that can be easily carried off such as jewelry or laptop computers. Check for trees or fixtures that provide easy access to the second floor, where the locks are often weaker. Then, take a minute to "case" the rest of your neighborhood. If you were a thief, would you find your own house an easy target compared to your neighbors? Do you have thick, low-lying bushes or larger windows? "Adequate" home security is often relative to the houses around you — if you provide an easier target, you may become a victim no matter how much security you have.