| 1. DO install your home security system. It will not work | | | | thieves that you use some form of alarm system. This |
| if you buy one and leave it in the box or only partially | | | | will at the very least deter them. They will probably not |
| install it. The burglar might as well steal the security | | | | try to figure out what alarm system you use on their |
| system and install it in his or her own home. | | | | own if you do not tell them outright. They will just |
| 2. DO turn the security system on. See above. Why | | | | move on. |
| would you take the time to install a security system | | | | 4. DO turn out your lights when the time comes. A |
| and then fail to hit the on switch? If you can leave the | | | | burglar is going to know you are not home if your light |
| security system on. | | | | stays on all day and night. It is an old wives tale that |
| If it is something you have to turn on when you leave | | | | this deters thieves, and it wastes energy. If you can |
| the house then try to create some sort of reminder so | | | | buy something that will turn lights off and on at timed |
| you don't forget to turn it on when you leave. If you | | | | intervals, this is much better than leaving lights on or off |
| have too why not leave a note for yourself in your car | | | | when away. |
| because it will only take you 5 seconds to turn your | | | | 5. DON'T put your high-value items in the same spot. If |
| alarm on but it can cause you months of pain and | | | | a thief does get in despite your alarm system or lack |
| distress should you forget and thieves break into your | | | | thereof, you don't want them to hit the jackpot. Try |
| home. | | | | dispersing them in various places. DO keep valuables in |
| 3. DON'T tell thieves the name of the alarm company | | | | places other than your bedroom because that is |
| you use, because they can then figure out how to | | | | usually the first place a thief will look. |
| bypass the wiring in your home's alarm system. It isn't | | | | If you follow these simple tips you are going to have a |
| that hard to figure it out if you know what alarm | | | | much better time deterring thieves than if you simply |
| system a home uses. | | | | hope and pray for the best. Remember a good |
| Those signs that tell burglars what alarm company you | | | | security system is a good thing to have, but if you |
| use? They are more dangerous than not having a | | | | combine that with a little common sense you will go a |
| security system. DO use signs that tell burglars or | | | | long way toward deterring thieves. |