No home or neighborhood is immune, but when performed jointly, these relatively easy precautions will deter most home burglars.

5.      Do lock or bolt windows. Approximately 25% of burglars enter this way. Most won’t break the glass.

a.       Do secure window-mounted air conditioners so they’re not easily removed or pushed in.

b.      Do secure garage and basement windows – consider a metal grill

c.       Remember that second floor windows can give access, for example if your neighbor leaves a ladder out.

6.      Do manage keys carefully:

a.       Do change tumblers if you lend keys and lose track of them.

b.      Don’t have your name and address on your keys unless you are willing to replace all locks if you lose your keys.

7.      Do consider a dog – the larger the better.

a.       Use “Beware of Dog” signs.

b.      Keep vacuum cleaner in an obscure location, as thieves can run a dog into a bedroom if the dog fears the vacuum cleaner.

8.      Do consider an alarm system, professionally installed and monitored, with stickers and an audible alarm.

9.      Don’t offer clues of what you have that a burglar might want:

a.       Don’t allow small valuables to be visible from the street or within arm’s reach from an outside window.

b.      Don’t leave packing materials from valuable purchases out on the curb or in the alley. Break down containers and dispose of discretely. Why inform burglars that you just bought a flat screen TV or computer?

10.  Inside your home, don’t leave valuables in places that are obvious or easy:

a.       Avoid nightstands, chest of drawers, desks, closets, etc.

b.       Do consider safes, either hidden or large, heavy gun safes.

11.  Do mark and photograph/video valuables:

a.       Keep a home inventory record with brand names, model numbers, and serial numbers.

b.      Apply your own markings or distinguishing characteristics, and keep a record

c.       Mark items in ink that shows only under UV light, to help recovery efforts.  See our website for information on where to get these pens.

12.  Don’t let your yard serve as a safe working environment for a burglar:

a.       Do consider outside lighting with infrared sensors. Floodlights are best.

b.      Don’t grow hiding places by allowing windows/side bushes to grow too large.

13.  Don’t let burglars know that you are away on vacation:

a.       Don’t simply leave all of the lights on when you’re gone…a dead giveaway. Use timers or have a neighbor assist.

b.      Don’t allow papers or mail to stack up in the mailbox or driveway.

c.       Do deactivate garage door openers when gone for extended periods of time.

d.      Do consider lawn care and house sitters while on vacation.

14.  Don’t allow strangers in who act as though they’re lost, request a drink of water, or want to use the phone.

15.  Don’t deliberately confront a burglar. There may be more than one; they may be on drugs, and you might frighten them into a confrontation when most go to great lengths to avoid conflict.

16.  Do watch your neighbors’ properties and note suspicious persons and vehicles.

a.       If you see a burglary in progress or suspicious behavior, call 911. Keep watching and stay on the line. Give a detailed description:  location, number of suspects, race, age, shoes, clothing, vehicle description and tag number.

b.      If you have been burglarized but the damage is done, notify the Philadelphia Police by calling 311.  Check for stolen car keys or ID information.  Repair damage and change locks as soon as possible. 

17.  Don’t buy items off the street from someone whose character you can’t vouch for. You may be receiving stolen property and adding to the burglary problem.