Home Security

Home Security Checklist
Burglars, like most people, follow the path of least resistance when going about their work. The first step in protecting your home against break-ins is to identify the features of your home that may make it an attractive target for burglars. Start your security inspection at your front door, and proceed through your home, inspecting all doors, windows, locks, and lights. Don't forget to examine the landscaping. Answer all the questions to determine your vulnerability to burglary and theft. This handy checklist asks you the questions you need to address in order to make sure your home is secure.

Advise on Identity Theft Security
Some burglars are now targeting more than just jewelry and electronics. This class of thieves wants to break into your house to steal your identity - your social security number, credit card numbers, or any other information that enables them to commit fraud or theft. Whenever you go on vacation or leave your house for an extended period of time, it's important to protect your computer and keep important documents safe. Includes home security tips for vacationers including: 1) examine your house from the street and make sure no valuables, like expensive electronics or artwork, are visible from the street, 2) if a passerby can see your belongings, so can criminals, 3) lock and fasten all doors and windows, 4) doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate, 5) secure sliding glass doors; place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track to prevent an intruder from forcing the door open, 6) always lock the door to your attached garage, 7) make it appear that you're home - use timers on lights, radios, and televisions, 8) keep the perimeter of your home well lighted; you can do this by installing low-voltage outdoor lighting, 9) never leave clues that you are away; ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers, or ask for them to be held, 10) don't let mail sit in your mailbox; there could be credit card and bank statements that contain information an identity thief would love to have, and 11) maybe ask a neighbor to park in your driveway so it appears someone is home.

San Diego News 8 CrimeFighters
The website for San Diego's New 8 maintains a section called CrimeFighters, dedicated to Helping to Make San Diego a Safer Place to Live. The site provides a wealth of information. Many of the stories are of value and interest for people outside of San Diego. For example, stories cover making "mobile blogging" safer for kids, an online sex offender website, carjacking, the high cost of DUI arrest,and more. The site includes special features, such as consumer alerts (e.g., Internet phones, glass tables), an identity theft tip sheet, safety tips for senior citizes, how to protect yourself against domestic violence, how to protect yourself against violent crime, and a lot of information for protecting your child (covering fingerprint cards, do-it-yourself DNA sampling kits, making kits stranger savvy, keeping kids safe at school and play and at home alone). Finally, there is a resource section of information from other sites.