Safety at Home 
 
  Thieves/Burglars look out for the houses which have some obvious cracks in securingthe house. A window without the grills, a side door breaking apart house keys left under the mat or in the flower pot – all these are open invitations for hardened thieves and for those looking for easy money. Generally the apartment building have their own security systems and staff, you need to be extra cautious if you live in a stand-alone house. 

  You can reduce the chance of becoming a target for thieves by taking a little extra care and by applying a little extra thought about the security of your home, apartment and neighbourhood: 
 
 
  #  Get new locks when you move into a previously occupied dwelling. You have no way to know who might have keys to your doors  
 
  #  Don’t hide a key outside the door, under mats, flowerpots, over moldings or under rocks. Thieves know from their experience where all people can leave their keys. If you need to have an extra set of keys handy, leave one with a trusted neighbour or someone you trust 
 
 
  #  Make sure you have good safe locks on all doors. LOCK THE DOORS – when you go out, even for just a minute! 
 
  #  Get a peephole installed in your front door or peer through a window near the door to see who is at the door to determine whether it’s a stranger or a known person 
 
 
  #  It’s good to have an extra see through grill door with wire mesh. If you don’t have a grill door have a security chain attached to the door, only open as far as the security chain will allow when dealing with a stranger. 
 
 
  #  Report broken street lights in your neighbourhood. Well-lit areas discourage burglars by taking away their hiding places
 
 
  #  Do not leave house and car keys together with attendants at public parking lots. Your house key can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your plate number 
 
 
  #  Don’t give information to strangers over the telephone. On wrong number calls don’t tell the caller your number. Report continued wrong number calls to the telephone company 
 
 
  #  Don’t give your computer password or other pertinent information to others 
 
  #  If possible use metal grillwork on all entrance doors 
 
  #  Store ladders inside, don’t leave them loose outside. If you can’t put them safely inside, you can chain them up with a pillar or latch 
 
  #  Use lights effectively. Outside entrance lights and post lights illuminate possible hiding places around your house 
 
  #  Leave a radio playing quietly when you go out to give the impression that someone is at home 
 
  #  Remove your name and address from any magazines or papers before discarding them 
 
  #  Shred/Tear off all papers that contain personal information about you and members of your family before throwing them away or selling them in raddi. 
 
  #  Don’t keep too many valuables in your apartment. Money, jewelry and other valuables are safer in a storage vault or a safe deposit box in a bank 
 
  #  Keep your mailbox empty. If you are away, arrange with a neighbour or building manager to have all mail taken out of your mailbox 
 
  #  Check references of maids, cleaning women, or anyone else who may have to work inside your apartment while you are away from it 
 

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