Bates Area Civic Association

1) Most home burglaries occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., so get in the habit of locking and covering all doors and windows whenever you go out.
2) Invest in high-quality, name-brand deadbolt locks for all exterior doors.
3) Make sure your burglar alarm system includes a loud inside alarm, detectors at all exterior doors, and motion sensors in the master bedroom and main living areas.
4) Never leave an answering machine message indicating you’re not at home. Instead, just say you “can’t come to the phone.”
5) Give your home a “lived-in” look and sound when you are away.
6) Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to your local police.
7) Don’t let mail, newspapers or flyers accumulate while you’re away, tipping off criminals. Have the post office hold mail, have newspapers suspended, and have a neighbor or friend clear away flyers. (www.usps.gov)