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| Security Tips |
- Landscaping - Keep bushes and trees trimmed away from windows and entry points to avoid creating hiding
places for criminals to lurk.
- Address - It is very frustrating and often increases the danger for all involved if emergency personnel
cannot see your street address numbers when responding to help you. Well-lit house numbers and reflective paint with numbers
on the curb at your driveway help a great deal.
- Lighting - The lighting around your home is very important. Burglars like darkness and cover. Many lights
are available with motion detection that will automatically turn on when there is activity in the area. If possible make access
to the bulbs out of reach from ground level. There are many types of landscape lights available which add visibility around
the perimeter of the home.
- Noise - This is probably the burglars worst enemy. A burglar alarm system with a siren mounted inside
and outside the home is a valuable deterrent. Often these alarms have devices that detect open doors, windows and even glass
being broken to make entry into the home. If it becomes to noisy, many times, your burglar will move on to an easier home.
- Alarm Systems - Alarm Systems can significantly enhance security if installed and used properly. Phony
"Warning: These Premises Protected by the Alarm Company" signs are usually not effective; a serious burglar need only look
in the telephone directory to see whether an alarm company exists. Most companies won't let non-customers display their emblem,
and the burglars know that, too. There's no harm in using such signs, but don't "expect" them to provide any protection.
- Answering Machine - Don't leave messages on an answering machine stating you'll be away for any specific
length of time.
- Garage Door - If you have electrically-operated garage doors, either disconnect or bolt the doors
before you leave for extended periods.
- Locks - Always use the locks you have, on both your home and your garage. Lock up every time you
go out, even if it's only for a few minutes. Almost 50 percent of burglars enter homes or property through unlocked doors
or windows. Install dead bolt locks on your doors. Make sure it has at least a 1 inch draw into the door jamb.
- Hide Keys - Never hide keys outside, such as under a bush or in a flower pot. Burglars know where
to find "secret" hiding places. It's much better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
- Garden Shed - Keeping the garden shed securely locked with all tools stored away.
- Valuables - Locking all money and valuables in a secure place, such as inside a home safe or inside
a deposit box at the bank. Don't place valuable items inside your house where they can be easily seen from the outside.
- Ladders - Don't leave a ladder in the yard that a burglar can use to enter an open second-story
window.
- Pick-ups - Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers every day while you are on
vacation. Have a neighbor use your garbage cans occasionally. During the winter, arrange to have snow shoveled.
- Dogs - If you don't have one - you should consider getting one. Even if the dog is not mean or a trained
guard dog, the site of one is a good deterrent. They also make a lot of noise.
- Rekey - Rekeying your home after you move in is one of the most important things you can do. Remember
this, "Who Has Your Keys"?
- Turn on security system if you have one.
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Langhoff & Co. Inc. Locksmith 1312 S. Main Bloomington, IL 61701-6784
Phone: (309)-828-9453
Fax: (309)-829-8889
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