*Have a solid-core door for all entrance points.
*Use a quality, heavy-duty deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw bolt.
*Use a quality, heavy-duty, knob-in-lock set with a dead-latch mechanism.
*Use a heavy-duty, four-screw, strike plate with three-inch screws to penetrate into a wooden door frame.
*Use a secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors.
*Use anti-lift devices such as through-the-door pins or upper track screws.
*Use highly visible alarm decals and beware of dog decals or neighborhood watch decals.
*Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking devices.
*Make sure someone cannot reach through an open window to unlock a door or remove a blocking device.
*Use anti-lift devices to prevent the window from being lifted out.
*Secure windows at night and, if need be, leave only a slight opening for ventilation purposes.
*Set your phone to speed dial 9-1-1.
*Get to know your adjacent neighbors.
*Agree to watch out for each other's home.
*Use motion sensor lights near or around key entry points.
*Use good lighting along pathways to and from main entry points.
*Make sure any exterior lighting allows for 100-foot visibility.
*Make sure your alarm system has an audible horn or bell to be effective.
*Instruct your neighbors how to respond to your alarm should it become activated.
*Be sure to activate your alarm system before leaving home or before retiring for the evening.
*Identify your valuables by engraving objects with a set of numbers that only you would know, make a list of the items and their numbers and keep the list in a safe deposit box or somewhere in your home.
*Photograph items of value.
*Photocopy the contents of your wallet and other important documents.
*Do not keep the PIN for your credit cards or debit cards in the same place.