Installing a security system will decrease the odds of having a break-in by nearly 400%. There are a few more things you can do to keep the odds in your favor.

1. Use common sense.

• If you lose a key, get the locks changed.
• Ask all strangers for identification.
• Never hide an extra key outdoor - especially underneath a mat or on top of a light fixture. This is the first place the bad guys look. Leave an extra house key with a friend or a neighbor.

2. Make it difficult.

• Door chains are easy to bypass. Install deadbolts.
• Install a stopper or stick on all sliding doors and windows.
• Install window bars on all basement windows.
• Install exterior motion lights.

3. Break-in's occur when you are away.

• Make sure all doors and windows are properly locked.
• Keep your premises well lit at night. Install timers that turn lights on at different times. This gives the appearance that someone is home.
• If you are going on holidays, have someone look after things such as collecting your mail and newspapers, cutting your lawn and shoveling your driveway.
• Advise our Rapid Response Monitoring Station you will be away.

4. In case you do have a break-in:

• If it looks like a door or window was forced open, do not go inside. The Burglar may still be on site. Call the Police from your cellular phone or from a neighbor's house and wait.
• For insurance purposes, photograph or videotape the contents of your home. Keep all receipts in a safe and easy to find location.
• Write down the model and serial number of all electronics.
• If you didn't already have a security system, now is the time to install one. A second break-in is possible after the insurance company replaces your original goods.