1. If the doors have dead bolt locks, use them. If not, owners are advised to have double cylinder dead-bolt locks fitted on exterior doors. A burglar who enters through a window wants to carry stolen property out the door. A double cylinder dead-bolt lock makes this more difficult.

2. With the installation of a good dead-bolt lock, consider installation of a reinforced strike plate. This will strengthen the doorframe. Use 2 ½" or 3" hardened steel screws to reach into solid wood studs behind the frame.

3. In addition, pinning door hinges on all exterior doors will prevent the door from being removed even after removing the hinge posts. This is particularly important for doors that swing outward and have hinges exposed on the outside. To pin the door, remove two opposite screws on each hinge. Drive a sturdy headless nail into the screw hole in the doorframe, leaving a ½" protruding. Drill opposite the screw hole so that the nailhead fits in when the door is closed.

4. When you leave home, even if only for a few minutes (e.g. walking your dog or going to the pool), make sure that all doors and windows are locked.5. Sliding doors and windows can be blocked with a break-in bar or lock pin. These devices make it more difficult to slide the door or window open, even if the lock is forced. The break-in bar or pin offers no protection form an intruder leaving with your household goods. Many products are available for securing sliding doors and windows. Ask your local hardware store to demonstrate the variety of locking devices.

6. Many homeowners feel safer with burglar bars. However, most associations have restrictions or architectural guidelines dealing with any alteration to the exterior appearance of the property. Check your association's specific restrictions and comply with the necessary requirements prior to the installation of burglar bars. For better protection, burglar bars should be installed on the inside of windows using one way screws so that the burglar can't easily remove them. Be sure that there is a simple escape mechanism in the event of an emergency, such as a fire.

7. If you have a lock up garage, keep your garage door closed and locked, whether you are at home or not. An open garage door is an invitation to burglars. The installation and use of an electronic garage door opener is also advisable.

8. Marked personal property is difficult for a burglar to sell. If you mark your personal property it can be traced to the rightful owner with relative ease. If a burglar is caught with marked property, it is evidence of stolen goods. Several public libraries have engravers, which can be checked out in the same manner as a book. Your New Jersey driver's license number should be engraved on an area, which cannot be easily dismantled and is not easily seen. Once property has been marked and a list of the property is made, obtain and display the "Operation ID" sticker. The sticker may be obtained from the Glen Ridge Police Department. It also suggested that you video tape all valuables.

9. Never leave notes that may inform a burglar that you are not at home or that your home is unoccupied.

10. Do not hide keys outside your home. Burglars know where to look. Leave a key with a trusted neighbor. Never leave the keys to your home with your car keys when you car is left in a parking lot or at a service station. Obtain a pull apart key chain or separate your keys.

11. When you leave town, don't advertise you're absence. Arrange for someone to pick-up circulars, mail and newspapers. Use timers and photoelectric switches to turn light on and off.

12. Be alert in protecting not only your home but your neighbor's home as well. Don't tell a stranger that your neighbor is not at home. Leave information with a trusted neighbor as to where you can be contacted if necessary. Ask them to watch your home.
 

Courtesy:  Glen Ridge Police department / http://www.baristanet.com