Tips for Home Security Part 2

• Never hide keys outside, such as under a bush or in a flowerpot. Burglars know where to find "secret" hiding places. It's much better to leave a key with a trusted neighbor.
• Don't place identification tags on your keys or key rings; if you lose them, you give potential burglars help.
• Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track. Burglars look for sliding glass doors because they are the easiest to open.
• Secure roof openings and exhaust systems.
• Make sure windows, especially those at ground level, have good locks-and always use the locks you have.
• The center thumb-turn locks on many standard windows can be easily pried open or reached through a broken pane. For especially vulnerable windows, install key locks or consider installing grates or grilles (but make sure the devices can be easily detached to allow quick escape during a fire or other emergency). Glass block windows offer excellent security for basement windows.
• Always lock up ladders and tools. Don't give a burglar the resources to break into your home.
• Window air conditioning units should be bolted to the wall to prevent them from being easily removed from the outside.
• If you have recently purchased a television, stereo equipment, or other household item, do not throw the empty boxes in the alley garbage. This is a sure sign and strong temptation for burglars.
• Turn the ringer on the telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
• If you are out during the day or on vacation, use an automatic timer to turn on lights and a radio at different times of the day. It is an easy way to disguise the fact they you aren't home.
• 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.

For more information about crime prevention call the Rockville City Police Department Community Services Officer 240-314-8922.