HELP BURGLAR-PROOF YOUR HOME

Renalto Carter shares tips to bamboozle burglars; Mike Catalano recycles pop tops from aluminum cans into fencing; Kent David suggests washing miniblinds in the bathtub; Fred Haga recommends looking at the stars; Alan Pryor sharpens drill bits with lard.

October/November 1994
 
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MICHAEL SLOAN
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Nine simple ways to present a less-tempting target to thieves.

Make It Tough on Burglars

The old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" couldn't be applied better than in protecting your home from burglary. Here are nine things you can do now — for virtually nothing.

1. Never leave a note on your door indicating that you are not home and will be back shortly.

2. Measure all your windows and sliding glass doors, and brace them closed with 2"-wide wooden sticks. A single lock on a window or door is usually not enough. By the way, if you must purchase a new lock, slide locks are a good bet on sliding doors and windows; use key-only, dual-side dead bolts on other doors.

3. Alarm stickers are available from any hardware store. Place them conspicuously and a burglar will usually not take the chance.

4. If you have an alarm system for your home or plan to get one, make sure that you put the outside siren box far up and out of reach. All it takes is a $3 can of spray insulation aimed inside the alarm box to prevent it from sounding.

5. Get an unlisted phone number. Friends will get your number when they need it, but annoying solicitors and thieves will not be able to call at random and ascertain whether you're home. And don't leave your number on an answering machine. People you know already have your number.

6. You've heard it before, but have you done it? Engrave your name and driver's license number on anything you want to keep. That includes expensive tools in the garage. And if there's anything at home that makes you particularly nervous to keep around, fork over a few dollars and get a safety deposit box. You will positively thank yourself for the effort later.

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