Unfortunately, we live in a time when crime cannot be taken lightly. Every day we read headlines and hear stories reminding us our neighborhoods are not as safe as they used to be. It pays to be on your guard, but that doesn’t mean you need to be afraid just aware.

All you need to remember is that there are certain necessary precautions you can take to minimize your chances of being a crime victim. Inside this article are helpful crime prevention tips.

Also included is a downloadable home security survey in Adobe Acrobat PDF format to help you determine just how well your home is protected against prowlers. Taking a few moments to complete the survey will make you more aware of your potential to be a crime victim. and show you what you can do to avoid it, and also helping to lowering your overall homeowner’s insurance cost as well.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Remember, we should never take being safe for granted!

WHEN AT HOME

1. Women who live alone should list only their last names and initials in phone directories and on mailboxes.
2. Be sure to lock doors in the day, even if you’re home, or if you leave for a few minutes.
3. Never open the door before asking visitors to identify themselves. This includes repair and delivery people, as well as police officers. Use the chain bolt when checking identification.
4. Never open the door before asking visitors to identify themselves. This includes repair and delivery people, as well as police officers. Use the chain bolt when checking identification.
5. Inside and outside lights give you a great deal of protection. Leave lights on at night, even when away from home. Change the location of lights periodically.
6. Leave a light on the door you will use when you return home after dark – use timers. Have your key ready so you can open the door immediately.
7. When a stranger asks to use your phone, offer to make the call instead.
8. If a door or window is forced or broken while you are away, do not enter or call out. Use a neighbor’s phone immediately to call police and wait outside until they arrive.

WHEN DRIVING

1. When practical, travel well-lit, populated streets. Keep windows closed and doors locked.
2. Put your purse in the glove compartment or on the floor.
3. Keep your car in gear at traffic lights and stop signs. If your safety is threatened, blow the horn and drive away as soon as possible.
4. If you believe you are being followed, don’t drive into your driveway or park on a deserted street. Pull over to the curb where there are people, and let the car pass you. If the car still follows you, drive to the nearest place for help (gas station or police station).
5. If you are followed into your driveway at night, stay in your car with the doors locked until you know the driver’s intent. Sound the horn to get the attention of neighbors or scare the other driver off.
6. When parking at night, choose a place that will be well lit when you return. Check for loiterers before leaving the car.
7. Never leave the car keys in the ignition, even if you only park for a short time. Lock the car and take the keys with you.

Click here to download our free home security survey, to identify any potential security problems within your home. This can help reduce the overall cost of your homeowner’s insurance.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.