home security

How to protect your home

How to burglar proof your doors

How to burglar proof your windows

Vacation Security Tips

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM INTRUDERS

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF ON THE CITY STREETS.

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN TRAVELING

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ARMED ROBBERY

How To Protect Yourself From Pickpockets

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CARS, BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES

How to protect your home

 

The majority of devices mentioned in following paragraphs cost very little. All of them will help reduce burglary and make your house or apartment more secure. Begin with a home "security" check. Start with the front door and work clockwise around the entire inside of your home, finishing with the back yard, fence and shrubs, gates and garage. Shrubbery should never block the view of your front door. This allows an intruder the opportunity of privacy to gain entrance. A wide-angle viewer in the door lets you know your visitor in advance. This item is recommended over a chain lock.

  • Keep doors (including garage doors) and windows locked at all times.  A recent study found that 12% of all burglaries occurred through an unlocked door.  This simple act could substantially reduce your risk.         
  • Always keep your car locked even when it's in your garage.        
  • Do not hide spare keys outside above the door, under doormats, in flowerpots, etc, criminals know all these "secret" hiding places.  
  • Control spare keys.  Don't give keys to people you do not know. (maids, repairmen, ect.)
  • When moving into a house or apartment, have the locks changed. Previous residents may still have keys no telling who they gave keys to.        
  • Install a wide angle Door Viewer on entry doors that permits you to see who is at the door before opening.       
  • Do not open your door for just anyone.  Ask to see identification from utility employees, delivery and service personnel.  They should have ID's provided by their company.  
  • Get to know your neighbors.  Get active in a neighborhood watch.  If all your neighbors are keeping watch on each others homes the more likely suspicious activities will be spotted before a problem arises. 
  • Keep a list of emergency phone numbers near each phone to save time if you need to summon help.  
  • Install curtains or blinds on windows and keep them closed when you are not at home or at night.  Do not leave expensive items in view of windows.
  • Keep shrubbery trimmed.  If you have bushes or trees blocking view of windows or doors it makes a much more desirable entry point for a would be burglar.
  • Keep tools and ladders locked up.  Don't give a burglar any help.
  • Patio doors should be locked with a pin or bar to keep from sliding as well as from being lifted out of the track.
  • Prevent windows from being opened by drilling sash overlaps and installing pins.   See below.
  • If you will be away from home for an extended period, follow the vacation precautions found  below.
  • Don't advertise the fact that you are not at home by leaving a message on your answering machine that you are on vacation, or by leaving a note on your front door for delivery or service personnel, especially do not give a specific time for your return.
  • If you have a security system, USE IT.  A recent study found that 41 percent of homes with security systems that were burglarized didn't have the system turned on.  
  • If you have a monitored security system, be sure to keep your Alarm Response Call List up to date.  
  • If you do not yet have an alarm system, then alarm decals, Neighborhood Watch signs and Beware of Dog signs may deter some criminals but others may test to see if it is a bluff. 

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HOW TO BURGLAR-PROOF YOUR DOORS

LOCKS, BOLTS AND HINGES


A DEAD-LATCH is an inexpensive lock set which keeps the burglar from simply slipping your Door open with a plastic credit card. This method of entry is common in many areas, but very easy to prevent.
AUXILIARY DEADLOCK: 1" deadbolt, single cylinder with hardened cylinder guard, and thumb turn.
For extra security, a single cylinder deadbolt lock, with one-inch throw and case hardened insert, is recommended for all exterior doors. If you have easily breakable glass within 40 inches of a deadbolt lock, it should be augmented with a stronger type of glass or plastic to provide adequate security.
Most police departments do not recommend double cylinder deadbolt locks for residential use. You may be adding additional security at the
expense of personal safety with a double cylinder deadbolt. For example, you could lock yourself in and not be able to escape in case of fire or other emergency.
The RIM LOCK is a 1" deadbolt lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. It is less expensive than other types of locks, but equally effective for security.
The "JIMMY -PROOF" RIM LOCK is another lock which is installed on the inside surface of the door. But this lock has vertical dead bolts, which is an approved device.
CANE BOLTS: 1/2" in diameter by 12" high installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door offers minimum security.
Many homes with pairs of doors use half-barrel slide bolts on the inactive door. These are weak and totally inadequate.
FLUSH BOLTS: installed at the top and bottom of the inactive door or pair of doors, flush bolts offer additional security, since the intruder cannot get at these devices to tamper with them if the doors are locked.


HINGE PROTECTION
Some exterior doors are improperly installed so that the hinges are installed from outside. To protect such a door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps:
1. Remove two screws, opposite each other, from both leaves of the hinge plate.
2. Insert screw or concrete nail into jamb leaf, protruding 1/2".
3. Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door. Do this in the top and bottom hinge of the door. When closed, the hinge pins may be removed, but the door will remain firmly in place.
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HOW TO BURGLAR-PROOF YOUR WINDOWS


Many burglars enter homes by simply breaking glass windows. A good deterrent is to have better Quality glass installed at vulnerable points around the perimeter of your residence. Most burglars avoid attempting to break the following types of glass due to the fear of attracting attention:
LAMINATED GLASS is made by a vinyl or plastic interlayer sandwiched between two layers of glass. This type of glass adds additional strength to your windows. To gain entry, a burglar would have to Strike the glass repeatedly in the same spot in order to make a small opening. Most burglars are reluctant to create this type of noise for fear of being detected.
TEMPERED GLASS is made by placing a piece of regular glass in an oven, bringing it almost to the melting point, and then chilling it rapidly. This causes a skin to form around the glass. Fully tempered glass is four to five times stronger than regular glass.
WIRED GLASS adds the benefit of a visible deterrent. Extra effort will be needed to break the glass and then cut through the wire located within the glass, in order to gain entry.
PLASTICS: Plastic material is divided into two types: acrylic or polycarbonate. The acrylics are more than ten times stronger than glass of the same thickness and are commonly called Plexiglas.
Polycarbonate sheets are superior to acrylics and are advertised as 250 times more impact resistant than safety glass and 20 times more than other transparent plastic.
With SLIDING WINDOWS the primary object is to keep the window from sliding or being lifted up and out of the track. There are many manufactured products available for securing windows. Here are some suggestions:
PINNED WINDOW ANTI-SLIDE BLOCK SLIDE BOLT: It is not recommended that you lock a window in a ventilating position. This is an invitation to a prying action which can result in entry. Key locking devices offer no real security, and they can re a fire exit hazard.
CASEMENT WINDOWS are the simplest to secure. Make sure the latch works properly and that the "operator" has no excess play. If so, replace the worn hardware.
DOUBLE HUNG WINDOWS latches may re jimmied open. If a window is not used, screw it shut (except bedrooms). For windows in use, drill a sloping hole into the top of the bottom window, through and into the bottom of the top window, and insert an easily removable pin or nail
LOUVRE WINDOWS are bad security risks. Remove and replace with solid glass or other type of ventilating window. Or protect with a grate or grille (except bedrooms).
WARNING!! One window in every bedroom on the ground and second floor must be left available as a fire exit, particularly for children and guests in your home. At night, the bedroom window may often be the quickest and safest means of getting out. Because of the danger of fire, decorative grilles are not recommended on bedroom windows.

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Vacation Security Tips


The following pre-vacation tips are courtesy of the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA).

One or more of these precautions, in addition to your monitored security system will make your home less attractive to intruders.


Burglars Go Shopping While You’re On Vacation


Picture this: you and your family are returning from a fun-filled vacation, ready to unpack and update the photo album. Only when you get home, you find the front door open, the back window broken, and valuables missing from all over the house, including your “clever” hiding places in the dresser and in the back of the freezer. You’re not alone. Each year, nearly 5 million families become victims of household burglary, often while they’ve been away on vacation.


Your Home Sends Signals


According to the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA), there are some simple steps you can take to make your home less attractive to would-be burglars. The best way is to combine the list of ideas below with a professionally installed and monitored electronic security alarm system in your home. Before you leave on your trip, pack your sun block and be sure to:
 • Get a trusted friend or relative to “house sit.” Or, make sure your neighbors know your plans.
 • Have a neighbor pick up your newspapers and your mail for you daily.
 • Lock all doors and windows, and secure the garage door.
 • Leave a car parked in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to park in your driveway.
 • Leave a house key – and a number where you can be reached – with a trusted friend or neighbor.
 • Use timers to turn lights on and off at certain times, altering lighting patterns, to create an occupied look.
 • Leave drapes and shades open as normal. (Closed blinds during the day are a sure sign of an empty house, plus they allow a burglar to attend to his business unseen by neighbors.)
 • Arrange to have your lawn mowed.
 • Be sure your trees and hedges have been trimmed. This gives burglars fewer places to hide.
 • Replace any burned-out lights in your yard. Consider upgrading outdoor light fixtures with devices that have built-in motion detectors, which turn on the lights whenever anyone walks past.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM INTRUDERS

Safety at Your Front Door


1. Never automatically open your front door. Make sure you know your caller's identity before admitting him.
2. If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for ID to be passed under the door. If he is unable to do this,
DO NOT admit him.
3. It is advisable to have a wide angle viewer (Peep-Hole) in the door so that you can check a person's identity without unlocking the door.
Home Safety
1. All doors in your home leading to the outside should have deadbolt locks.
2. When away at night, leave at least one light on.
3. Do not leave a key over a door or under a mat. (Be creative, a rock safe would work good for this situation.)
4. The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite & crawling in. Use a padlock. But never leave it unlocked. This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, & the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home & enters at his leisure, using” his" key.
5. Mark your valuables & keep accurate records of all your most valuable possessions.
6. When leaving on a trip:
A. Stop all deliveries.
B. Connect a light to a timer.
C. Notify the police & have a neighbor check your home periodically.
D. Have someone maintain your lawn.
7. Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.


Safety for the Apartment Dweller.


1. If you live in an apartment building with an intercom system on the front door, make sure the landlord keeps it in operating order.
2. Never admit anyone unless you are expecting him or know him.
3. Never admit anyone to the building that is there to see another tenant or to deliver something to another apartment.
4. Anyone asking admission so that he can do some work for another tenant should not be admitted, but should be referred to the building manager.
5. If you see someone in your building that looks out of place or is acting suspiciously, contact the police.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF ON THE CITY STREETS.


1. When leaving home, make sure that all doors and windows are locked - including the garage door.
2. Watch for loiterers and do not carry large sums of money.
3. If possible, travel with another person. This is especially true after dark.
4. When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses. If you do carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured. Some purse snatch victims have been thrown off balance and received concussions, broken hips, arms or legs. Don't carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave
all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, put it in your shopping bag.
5. At night, travel only well-lighted and well-traveled streets. Avoid unlighted areas. Walk in the middle of the sidewalk and never loiter in deserted areas.
6. Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
7. Walk on the side of the street nearest to oncoming traffic. If accosted by someone in a car, run in the direction opposite the way the car is headed.
8. Beware of people who approach asking directions; keep a polite but safe distance.
9. A good suggestion for men is to carry a second wallet containing a few one dollar bills and old expired credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to help the police in making the arrest
10. Upon returning home, particularly after dark, do not linger at the entrance of your residence. Make a quick check for mail or newspapers, and enter immediately. If you feel something is strange, don't enter but go elsewhere and call for police assistance.
11. If you feel someone is following you, go to the nearest occupied residence or building and ask for assistance.
If you are confronted with a dangerous situation, cry out for assistance. Yelling "FIRE! FIRE!" instead of "HELP!" will generally bring faster attention.
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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES FROM THEFT


One of the most effective tools you can use to retrieve property stolen from you home is a simple electric engraving pen. With this pen you can inscribe your name or a number on the most valuable items in and around your home. Before you do this, check with local police to see which they prefer you use - your name, driver's license number, social security number or whatever.
Engraving your name or number on your valuables helps deter robbery in two ways: First, you discourage the thief since marked property is much more difficult to sell Second, if a thief does steal your property, it is much easier to catch and prosecute him when he is discovered with goods in his possession that are easily identifiable as stolen.
Billions of dollars worth of property stolen each year is never returned to the owners. Why? Because without some identifying mark or number, the police are unable to verify stolen property, or trace the owner. More than half the property recovered by the police is eventually auctioned off or destroyed because the goods have no identifying characteristics.
In some cities, local law enforcement agencies will lend you and your neighbors an engraving pen free. In these communities, you may borrow an engraving tool for several days! If this service is not available to you, you can purchase an inexpensive electric pen from your local hardware store for as little as $10 or $15. This small investment could be worth a great deal more to you at a later date.
Items already marked with a serial number - such as cars, TV's, cameras, typewriters, radios, stereos, tape decks, appliances, etc. - may not have to be engraved with your name or personal number. Check with local police first. If they recommend you inscribe your identifying mark on serialized items, inscribe this information just above the manufacturer's serial number.
On un-serialized property, inscribe your name or number on the upper right comer of the rear or backside of each item. Should you decide to sell or discard the item at a later date, you should invalidate your
number by using the engraving pen or any sharp tool to draw a single line through your name or number from upper left to the lower right hand corner. Do not deface your name or number in any way. It is also advisable, when selling "marked" property, to write out a simple receipt and specify on it that you were the previous owner and indicate the name or number used by you. This could prevent legal hassles for the new owner at a later time.
To protect smaller valuable items such as jewelry, silverware, etc., it is wise to take a photo of each item. A simple, instant-type camera photo is sufficient.
After you have marked and/or photographed all your valuables, make a detailed list of these items and keep it in a safe place. When new items are acquired, add them to your list as other valuables are sold or discarded, cross them off the list.
If you use credit cards, they should be recorded on your list. Either copy your account number and expiration date from each card, or you can have photo copies made for your records.
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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHEN TRAVELING
SAFETY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION


1. While waiting for a bus or streetcar, stand near others who are also waiting.
2. If the immediate area is deserted or in darkness, stand near an occupied building or in a lighted area until transportation arrives.
3. Once on a bus or streetcar, be aware of those around you. If someone looks or acts suspicious, notify the driver.
4. If the coach is empty or nearly empty. sit as far up front and as close to the driver as possible.
5. If someone begins to bother you, get up and notify the driver immediately.
6. Upon arriving at your stop, be aware of those who alight with you. If you feel you are being followed. Go to the nearest occupied building and ask for assistance.
7. After dark, attempt to get off the bus in well-lighted areas. Use only well-lighted streets to reach your final destination.


AUTO SAFETY


1. Make certain your car is always in good working order, with safe tires and an adequate amount of gasoline for your planned trip.
2. Always check your car before getting in - to make sure that no one is hiding inside.
3. If you have a garage, be sure you lock the door as you leave.
4. It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all other cases, lock your car.
5. Do not leave packages or personal items in open view in the car ... place them in the trunk.
6. At night, park only in lighted areas.
7. If you are in danger of being harmed or robbed, while in your car, start sounding your horn until assistance arrives.
8. Never pick up a hitchhiker.
9. If you have a flat tire in an area you feel might not be safe, try to keep driving until you reach a safe location.
10. If you feel you are being followed. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, or an open filling station.


ELEVATOR SAFETY


1. Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant.
2. Females riding the elevator alone should always stand near the control panel if accosted, press ALL buttons.
3. If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes.
4. Before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.
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HOW TO GUARD AGAINST PURSE SNATCHERS


Purse snatching is a crime of opportunity. You can eliminate that opportunity. Every female carrying a purse is a potent target.
Senior citizens are especially susceptible to these criminals since they may not be readily able to defend themselves and pursue their assailants.


WHAT YOU CAN DO


Purse snatching is a crime that can be easily prevented when you take away the opportunity from the thief. Most purse snatchers are juveniles under the age of 18, who are waiting for the next opportunity. When you hide the "prize" you protect yourself.
Suppose you are going shopping and are waiting for the bus. You are by yourself and your purse is exposed and in open view.
You already made two mistakes - you are alone and your purse is vulnerable. Frankly, your personal safety might depend on not clinging to that purse, even though it seems a normal way to protect the contents. Grabbing and shoving that may take place can result in being injured. There are ways to protect yourself, however.


SHOP WITH A FRIEND. TRAVEL TOGETHER


The first precaution you can take is to go shopping with a friend - man or woman. You're safer when in the company of someone else. If you must be out at night alone, stay in well-lighted areas. Walk close to street lights, staying well away from dark corners, alleys and building entrances.


HOW TO OUTSMART THE PURSE SNATCHER


When carrying a purse, women should have only 3 or 4 one dollar bills placed inside. Credit cards, currency, driver's license, keys and jewelry should be carried in a coat or sweater pocket, or concealed on your person to reduce the opportunity of large losses. If you carry a purse, don't wrap the strap around your shoulder, neck or wrist. If your purse is grabbed, a strong strap will not yield easily and you may be injured.
Some purse snatch victims have been thrown down and have received concussions and broken bones. Never carry anything more valuable than you can afford to lose. Always leave all unnecessary credit cards at home. When you shop and carry a purse, place it in your shopping bag. Never leave your purse on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart - even for a moment.


BE AWARE & BE ALERT!


You should carry a police whistle and at least a 1/2 oz can of a Defensive Spray on your key chain & keep it readily available.
Know how to use it! Remember, an ALERT ATTITUDE is everything! Make a habit to carry your key chain in your hand - NOT in your purse. And you should never put your name and address on your house keys or car keys. This is simply a way of telling the thief who you are and where you live!
CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY!
Most victims are attacked from behind. They don't get a good look at the attacker. And when a juvenile gets away with it once, he'll try it again. If attacked, call the police immediately. Try to remember all the details - help your police help you!
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HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ARMED ROBBERY


While purse snatching is one of today's most common crimes facing women, strong arm robbery (hold-ups, muggings) is the most prevalent act where men are generally the victims.
By observing the basic rules of "common sense", your chances of being victimized are greatly reduced. Since most strong arm robberies occur during the hours between sunset and sunrise, the best rule to follow is simply to stay inside at night.
However, to even consider being confined to a secure area after the sun goes down is not only impossible, it is also ridiculous. By observing basic precautionary measures, chances of you becoming a robbery victim are greatly reduced. Here are some general rules to follow:
1. Travel well-lighted streets. Avoid dark corners, alleys and entrances to buildings. Always try to walk on the side of the street nearest oncoming traffic.
2. If you must travel at night regularly, don't carry more than you can afford to lose. One suggestion is to carry a second wallet containing a few $1.00 bills and old expired credit cards, which are normally destroyed or discarded. If confronted at knife or gunpoint, give the suspect the second wallet and concentrate on a good physical description to give to the police.
3. There's safety in numbers! If possible, walk with a companion - either male or female. An armed robber is less likely to confront two or more, than a lone individual.
4. When waiting for a bus or streetcar, try to select a well-lighted area. Aim for a busy stop where many people will be coming and going.
5. Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
6. Avoid taking shortcuts through deserted areas such as parks, playgrounds, vacant lots, etc.
7. Be cautious entering your car - someone may be hiding inside. Or, when leaving your car - someone may be waiting. Park in well- lighted areas.
8. Never carry a weapon that can be used against you.
9. If someone asks directions, keep a polite but safe distance.
10. If you are alone and think you are being followed, head for an occupied building such as a bar, restaurant, filling station, fire station, etc. If none is available, cross the street in the middle of the block. If there is street vehicular traffic, try to stop a car for help.


IF YOU ARE CONFRONTED


1. DO NOT RESIST! Cooperate! Give the criminal whatever he asks for - wallet, keys, jewelry, credit card or whatever. Your life is more valuable than replaceable possessions.
2. Don't make any sudden, unexpected moves. A nervous criminal may think you are reaching for a concealed weapon.
3. If the suspect claims he has a gun, knife, razor or whatever in pocket, never try to force his bluff.
4. Never try to be a hero and apprehend the criminal yourself.
5. Notify police as soon as possible.
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How To Protect Yourself From Pickpockets


The "art" of picking pockets is among one of the world's oldest professions. Author Charles Dickens' Artful Dodger is probably among the best known pickpockets. However, all are not juveniles- and all are not males!
The skilled pickpocket is not the seedy character you'd expect to find lurking in a dark doorway. He (or she) appears about as average as you and I, in appearance and manner. Because they make a study of how to "blend" into the crowd, pickpockets usually remain undetected and can practice their activities with little hindrance.
Pickpockets follow no regular schedule. They operate equally well during daylight hours as well as at night and if you have been led to believe that picking pockets takes place only in crowds, forget it! The only known fact is that they generally focus on the public during times when they might be carrying more money than usual, such as during pre-holiday spending sprees, store sales, at fairs, carnivals, horse races, gambling casinos, near bank entrances, etc.
While many pickpockets work alone, there are also teams of two or three which sometime involve a female accomplice. A team with nimble fingers is next to impossible to apprehend. The first team member removes the valuables from the unsuspecting victim's pockets. He then secretly passes them on to the next member who quickly disappears.
When a female member is also employed, she generally engages the victim in conversation to distract or delay his attention.
Contrary to what most think, experienced pickpockets do not place their hands all the way into the victim's pockets.
Rather, the expert criminal reaches into the top of the pocket, takes a pleat in the lining, then makes a dozen or so tiny pleats, folding the lining with swift dexterity between his fingers.
The shortened pocket lining moves the valuables upward so that they emerge at the mouth of the pocket. The entire act takes place in a second or two.
The best protection for foiling pickpockets is to remove the opportunity of becoming a victim...


FOR MEN


1. The target areas are back trouser pockets, and suit coat and sports jacket pockets, located inside and out. A pickpocket who values his freedom avoids front trouser pockets and especially buttoned or zipped pockets.
2. If it is necessary to carry your wallet in an unbuttoned pants, coat or jacket pocket, be sure it contains only what you can afford to lose. Keep large sums of money, credit cards, ID's, etc. in your front pants' pocket or any buttoned or zipped pocket; keys on a chain attached to your clothing.
3. Never "pat" your pocket to see if your wallet is still there. This notifies the criminal of the location of your valuables.
4. Larger size "pocket secretaries" are especially inviting to pickpockets- and are relatively easy to steal.


FOR WOMEN


1. Do NOT carry your wallet in your purse. Conceal it in a coat or sweater pocket where it does not show a bulge.
2. Use a purse that is difficult or time consuming to open.
3. Never let your purse lie unattended on a store counter or in a grocery shopping cart.
If you have been victimized by a pickpocket, immediately notify police and give the best description you can.

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HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CARS, BICYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES


HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR


Always lock your car doors. Be certain all windows are completely closed. When driving, keep all doors locked.
It is best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all cases lock your car. At night, park only in well-lighted areas.
If you have a garage, the single lock on the door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. One of three methods may be used to secure the door:
(1) Add another bolt and padlock on the opposite side.
(2) Install a pair of cane bolts on the inside - only operable from the inside.
(3) Add a top center hasp. Any person of average height can operate this locking device. The hasp must be of hardened steel and installed with carriage bolts through the door or gate. Use large washers on the inside. After the nuts are secured, deface the threads of the bolt ends with a hammer to keep the nuts from being removed.
In every case, use a minimum standard exterior padlock. If hiding a key outside, try a diversion safe. Most hiding places are obvious to the burglar.
Never leave a padlock unlocked. This is an invitation to have the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.


HOW TO PROTECT BICYCLES


You don't leave your car unlocked, so treat your bicycle the same way. Use an approved chain and padlock whenever you are not on the seat! Lock it to the garage - with a 3/8" x 6" eye screw fastened to a stud. The eye screw should be at least 3 feet above the floor, because this makes using a pry bar much more difficult.
Whenever you lock your bike in a public place, chain it to a secure rack or stanchion through the frame and a wheel. Keep the chain as high above the ground as the bike will allow. This reduces the leverage for a pry bar or bolt cutter attack.
MINIMUM STANDARD FOR APPROVED CHAIN
Must be at least 5/16" hardened steel alloy. Links must be of continuous welded construction. Lighter chain or chain with open links simply will not withstand bolt cutting attacks. Don't GIVE your bicycle away! Using anything less will invite its theft.

 
HOW TO PROTECT MOTORCYCLES


These expensive bikes require additional security measures. They must be secured with a mated 3/8" hardened steel alloy chain and a padlock of equal strength. Sheathed cable has not proven to be a satisfactory deterrent to theft.
LIGHTING
GOOD exterior lighting is important, particularly when the yard area is obscured by high, non-removable shrubbery. The best possible location for outside lights is under the eaves. This makes ground level assault more difficult. You can buy an inexpensive timer or photo-electric cell which will automatically turn the lights on at dusk and turn them off at dawn.
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