• Make your home look occupied. Leave the lights on when you’re not home or if you leave for an extended period, connect a few lamps to automatic timers so they turn on in the evenings. Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards. Light is one of the best crime deterrents. Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you’re away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

• Don’t tempt a thief: Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight and/or locked.  Do not lock bikes to wood porch railings, which are easy to break. Keep valuables out of site, including gifts. Be cautious about what garbage and boxes you set on the street. For example, a flat screen TV box announces to potential burglars that you have a brand new TV.
• Lock all outside doors (including patio, basement, garage, and shed doors) as well as windows – use deadbolts on outside doors as pushbutton locks are easy for burglars to open. Over 40% of break-ins happen without the use of force.  Similarly, do not leave a spare key hidden outside.

Car Break Prevention:

• Lock doors and roll up windows – the majority of theft from vehicles occurs when doors are left unlocked.
• Keep valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk.
• Park in well-lit areas.

Scams Prevention:

• Charitable giving is noble and encouraged, but do your homework before donating to a charity to avoid solicitation frauds.  Beware of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail asking for donations.  If approached by charitable groups, ask questions before you give and be careful about giving out personal information.