Nine tips to secure your home from successful theft

Published 12:32 pm Tuesday, June 5, 2012

A few tips from the Bonney Lake Police Department on how to keep your house safe from burglars:

• Aware and alert neighbors are the reason most burglars are arrested. Get to know your neighbors and report suspicious situations to 911.

• Exterior lights are a deterrent, especially motion-activated lights.

• Install deadbolt locks on every exterior door and use them. Replace the original screws with three inch screws on strike plate and hinges.

• Consider having someone housesit for you while you are on vacation. At a minimum have the mail/newspaper picked up daily. Place lights and/or a radio on a variable timer and fill out a “vacation check form” with the Bonney Lake Police Department.

• Trim all trees and bushes to eliminate potential hiding places and so your front door is visible from the street.

• Post signs that say “No Trespassing,” “Block Watch Neighborhood” or “Beware of Dog.”

• Don’t leave garage doors open or yard tools and bicycles laying around.

• Write down serial numbers for electronics and firearms. Take photographs of jewelry and coins. Keep those items in a hidden safe.

• And remember: burglars want to take the path of least resistance. Don’t make it easy for them.