If you are away for extended periods. cancel the delivery of mail and newspapers disconnect the telephone answering machine, or re-word your greeting message to give the impression that you are only temporarily unable to answer. enlist the help of a neighbors, friends or relatives to keep a eye on your property and keep the front door clear of deliveries. if you are prepared to leave a key with a willing neighbor/relative, ask for curtains to be drawn and lights to be put on at night. If snow is on the ground a few footprints will make the house appear inhabited. check your insurance policy. Some insurance policies for contents don't cover you if you are away for more than 30 days. set your burglar alarm. Have your neighbor cut your grass or get a lawn service

Personal Protection

Any of us may be crime victims.  The most common crimes involve burglary and theft.  But reports of car jacking, child abductions, and assaults create fear among many Americans.

You can reduce your family’s risk by being aware and prepared.

• Tips on Personal Safety  

  • Keep your doors locked at all times.

  • Never open your door to a stranger. Use your peephole to see who is at the door before you open it. Ask for identification before allowing a meter reader or repair person into your home.

  • Keep your car doors locked while you are driving and while the car is parked.

  • Don’t give your name, address, charge card number or Social Security number to an unknown caller. Never give your name or address on your message machine. Say something like: "I’m sorry we are unable to take your call now. Please leave a message at the tone."

  • Never surprise a burglar. If you see something that makes you think your home may have been robbed, do not go in. Go to a safe place and call the police. The burglar may still be around.

  • Don’t flash large amounts of cash or jewelry in public.

  • Be extra careful in areas with high crime rates, especially at night.

Summer Safety Tips Around Your Home

When the weather warms up, millions of Americans find themselves outside working on maintaining their lawns and yards. Criminals know this and watch for easy opportunities to steal from people when they are distracted. People often make simple mistakes such as leaving doors or gates open, inadvertently giving unwanted visitors an invitation onto their property.

Burglars can an will, if the opportunity is easy enough, walk right through an open front door or a gate leading to the back yard, grab what they can and run off. It only takes a minute for you to become their victim, so always keep the front door locked, and side gates closed.

Another common mistake many people make is to leave their garage door up while they are working outside. This provides a perfect opportunity for a criminal to get in and grab any valuable items they have in the garage. A tool shed is another easy target when the door is left hanging open. You can avoid these types of hazards by remembering to be watchful and vigilant, keeping all doors, gates and windows closed and never giving a thief an easy target.  Forming a Neighborhood Watch Program is one of the best safety tips available we can suggest for any season. Talk to your neighbors and local police to discuss how you can work together for a crime free summer. (Fall, winter and spring, for that matter as well.)