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EXTERIOR DOORS…
All exterior doors should be either metal or solid wood. For added security, use strong door hinges on the inside of the door, with non-removable hidden pins. Every entry door should be well-lighted and have a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
LOCKS…
Strong, reliable locks are essential to effective home security. Always keep doors and windows locked, even a five minute trip to the store is long enough for a burglar to enter your home.
Use quality keyed knobs as well as deadbolts, because deadbolts can withstand the twisting, turning, prying, and pounding that regular knows can't.
When choosing a deadbolt, look for such features: as a bolt that extends at least one inch when in the locked position, to resist ramming and kicking, hardened steel inserts to prevent the bolt from being sawed off, and a reinforced strike plate with extra long mounting screws to anchor the lock effectively.
Most deadbolts are single-cylinder (they operate from the outside with a key and from the inside with a thumb latch). Double-cylinder deadbolts require a key to open the lock from both outside and inside your home. These locks are especially effectively for doors with glass within 40 inches of the lock, because an intruder cannot break the glass and unlock the door by reaching through (check with law enforcement or Fire Marshal before installing a double-cylinder deadbolt, because there are fire code restrictions).
As an alternative, security glazing can be applied to glass panels in or near the door, or shatterproof glass can be installed, though these options can be expensive.
SLIDING GLASS DOORS…
Sliding glass doors can offer easy entry into your home. To improve security on existing sliding glass doors, you can install keyed locking devices that secure the door to the frame; adjust the track clearances on the doors so they can't be pushed out of their tracks of the closed door to prevent the door from opening even if the lock is jimmied or removed.
WINDOWS…
Most standard double-hung windows have thumb-turn locks between the two window panels. Don't rely on these, they can be pried open or easily reached through a broken pane. Instead, install keyed locking devices to prevent the window from being raised from the outside, but make sure everyone in the house knows where to find the key in case of an emergency.
An easy, inexpensive way to secure your windows is to use the "pin trick". Drill an angled hole through the top frame of the upper window. Then insert a nail or eyebolt. The window can't be opened until you remove the nail. Make a second set of holes with window partly openly so you can have ventilation without intruders.
LIGHTING…
Lighting is one of the most cost-effective deterrents to burglary. Indoor-lighting give the impression that a home is occupied. If you are going to be away from your home, consider using automatic timers to switch interior lights on and off at preset times.
Outdoor lighting can eliminate hiding places. Install exterior lighting near porches, rear, and side driveways, garage doors, and all other points of entry. Entry walkways to your home should always be well lighted. Place lights out of reach from the ground so the bulbs cannot be removed or broken. Aim some lights away from the house so you can see if anyone is approaching, or install motion-sensing lights, which turn on automatically as some approaches.
SHRUBS AND LANDSCAPING…
Your home's walkways and landscaping should direct visitors to the main entrance and away from private areas. The landscaping should provide maximum visibility to and from your house. Trim shrubbery that could conceal criminal activity near doors and windows. Provide light on areas of dense shrubs and trees that could serve as hiding places. Cut back tree limbs that could help thieves climb into windows, and keep yard fencing low enough too avoid giving criminals places to hide.
PURSE SNATCHING PREVENTION
* The best way to avoid a purse snatching, of course, is not to carry one.
* Large bulky packages or purses are the easiest to spot and grabbed.
* Consider carrying only a small change purse with necessities, instead of a purse.
* If you must carry a purse, do not dangle it by your side in such a way that a thief can run by you and grab it. Carry the purse close to your body, preferably in front.
* If you wear a shoulder bag wear it across your chest. Better yet, wear it under your coat. Keep a coin purse in your pocket for easy access to bus fare, etc.
* Try to walk with someone or stand at a bus stop with several other people.
* Walk purposefully and look confident. Assertive body language can help prevent an attack. Do not slouch; keep your head up. Look as though you would cause an uproar if bothered.
* Stay away from isolated or poorly lit areas. Walk near the curb to avoid passing too close to places of concealment.
* Contact the transit authority to change the location of a bus stop or for more lighting, cleaning, etc.
* Avoid shortcuts through isolated areas.
* Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.
* Do not carry your house or car keys in your purse.
* If someone does grab your purse, do not attempt to resist or fight him/her off. You are likely to get injured in the process.
* Report all suspicious people to the police as soon as possible. Do not wait until you get home.
* If you are a victim of any crime call the police immediately. Provide as much information as possible; When the crime happened. Where the crime occurred. What happened. Describe the suspect and direction and whether the suspect fled on foot, by car, etc.
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