How to Legally Protect Your Home From Burglary

A burglary is committed every 12 seconds in the United States, but with a few precautionary measures, you can legally protect your home against burglary. Make time to prevent burglary of your home. Here's how.

Instructions

1. Install a good security system. Most burglaries are committed by amateur or semi-amateur burglars who don't know how to bypass a security system.

2. Ask for a security inspection by your local police department. In addition, take a look at the house during the day and night from the viewpoint of a burglar to see if you notice any weak points.

3. Join your local neighborhood watch or form one if there currently is no program. Getting to know your neighbors and being able to rely on them when you're out of town can prove more effective than any other security measure.

4. Refrain from leaving a message on your answering machine indicating you've left town, as this is an invitation for a burglar. Have a neighbor or someone else pick up your mail or newspapers so they won't become obvious signs you're out of town.

5. Protect your sliding glass doors from burglars by putting a pole in the track or another lock at the very top of the door frame. The standard sliding glass door lock is often not enough to prevent burglars from entering your home.

6. Install a timer for your lights and TVs that turns them on when it starts to get dark. This simple and inexpensive addition can help form the illusion that someone is home.

7. Make a list and videotape or photograph your most valuable possessions. Keep this list along with the video or photos in a secure place, as you may need to use them for insurance claims if you're burglarized.

8. Use the informative Burglary Prevention Council Web site (see Resources below) to become more informed about how to better protect your home from a possible burglar.

9. Follow up by doing a routine check of your home every few months. Replace or repair locks, windows and alarm systems if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• If an intruder enters your property when you're home, you have the right to protect your property with reasonable force. State law varies on when it is appropriate to use deadly force against an intruder. Check your state laws before you're confronted with a burglar.