When leaving your home, practice the following advice! It will pay dividends!

Going to the market or out to dinner?

• A residence which presents a lived-in deterrent to burglars!

• Never leave notes which can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied.

• Make certain all windows and doors are secured before departure. An empty garage advertises your absence – so close the doors!

• When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps have a radio playing. Timers may be purchased that will turn lights on and off during your absence.

• Do not leave door keys under flower pots or doormats, inside an unlocked mailbox, over the doorway, or in other obvious places.

When planning vacations of prolonged absences:

• Discontinue newspaper and other deliveries by phone or in person ahead of time. Do not leave notes.

• Arrange for lawn care and have someone remove advertising circulars and other debris regularly. On the other hand, several toys left scattered about will create an impression of occupancy.

• Notify the post office to forward your mail or have a trustworthy person pick it up daily. Apartment house tenants could also heed this hint as stuffed mail receptacles are a give-away when no one is home.

• Inform neighbors of your absence so they can be extra alert for suspicious persons. Leave a key with them so your place may be periodically inspected. Ask them to vary the positio ns of your shades and blinds.

• Have the telephone temporarily disconnected. Burglars may try calling to find out whether anyone is in.

• When you leave, do not publicize your plans. Some burglars may try calling to find out whether anyone is in.

• Contact your nearest police station and inform them how long you will be gone, who has a key to your house, and where you can be reached. Special attention will be given to the premises while you are away.

• If you find a door or window has been forced or broken while you were absent. DO NOT ENTER. The criminal may still be inside. Use a neighbor’s phone immediately to summon police.

• Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred Preserve the scene until the police can inspect for evidence.

• Remember to: Lock before you leave, Trust a neighbor with a key, Be a concerned neighbor, yourself!