Madison Park

Tips for "That Lived in Look"

Don't let a thief know when your home is empty. (Traveling Tips)

You're much less likely to be burglarized if your home appears to be occupied.

#1 Lighting is one of the most important, and yet simplist, methods of securing your home. Good exterior light is important. The best possible location of outside lights is under the eaves. This makes ground level entry more difficult because it illuminates would be hiding places. Use automatic timers for both exterior and inside lights so they turn on and off automatically when your are not home. This will be confusing to a burglar.

2. When you're away on vacation, take several additional precautions:

A. Instead of discontinuing newspaper and other deliveries, ask a neighbor to pick up these items each day for you. This way it want pile up.

B. Mow your grass just before you leave and if your trip is extended arrange to have the grass cut.

C. Don't leave notes to anyone regarding your whereabouts or arrangements in your absence. You're simply advertising that you're not home. Handle these instructions by phone or in person in advance of your leaving.

D. Don't publicize your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspapers accounts of other people's activities.

E. If you arrive home and discover you're home has been burglarized. DO NOT ENTER THE HOME. Call the police immeidately (911) from a cell phone, a neighbor's house, or other safe place. This will not only insure your safety should a burglar still be on site but will preserve the scene until the police can make a thorough investigation.