Safety Tips to Protect Against Holiday Crime

 

Safety Tips to Protect Against Holiday Crime

 

The holiday season is a time for giving, sharing and enjoying family and friends. Unfortunately, it's also a season for criminals, who have more targets carrying extra money with lowered awareness.

 

But there are ways to protect yourself and to lessen your chances of a crime happening to you.

 

BASIC CRIME PREVENTION

• Stay alert.
• Keep your mind on your surroundings, who’s in front of you and who’s behind you. Don’t get distracted.
• Walk purposefully, stand tall, and make eye contact with people around you.

 

TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS.

• If you feel uncomfortable, leave.
• Personal Protection
• Make yourself a "tough target."
• Don’t think that it can’t happen to you.
• Should you resist? Every situation is different.
• Always be aware of your surroundings.
• If being followed call 911 or drive to a police station

 

Home and Neighborhood

• Good locks, simple precautions, neighborhood awareness, and common sense can help prevent most property crimes.
• Install and use good deadbolt locks in your doors (half burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows).
• Secure sliding glass doors with locks or a rigid wooden dowel wedged in the track.
• Lock double-hung windows by sliding a bolt or nail into a hole drilled at a downward angle through the top of each sash and into the frame.
• Trim back shrubbery hiding doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb to the second story.
• Make sure all porches, entrances, and yards are well lit.
• Maintain the neighborhood. Dark alleys, litter, and rundown areas attract criminals.
• Do not hide house keys in mail boxes, planters, under doormats or in other easy to find places.
• Do not put personal identification on key rings.
• Leave only your ignition key with mechanics or parking attendants, keeping other keys safe.
• Install a peephole or viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
• Do not trust door chains. They can be easily broken.
• Don’t open the door to strangers. Insist service personnel verify their identity before letting them in.
• Don’t give any information to "wrong number" callers.
• Check references of any person calling about a survey or credit check before offering information.
• Hang up immediately on threatening or harassing calls.
• Make your home appear occupied when you go out

--Leave lights on and the radio playing.

 

--Keep your garage door closed and locked.

 

--Use timing devices to turn inside lights on and off.

 

--If you will be gone several days, arrange to have the mail and papers stopped or picked up. Many burglaries occur during the day when neighbors could report the thieves.

 

For more information http://www.roadandtravel.com/travelsafety/holidaycrime.htm

First Impressions: Get Instant Curb Appeal With These 10 Must-Dos

November 2, 2009 by Melissa Tracey · 2 Comments
Filed under: Curb Appeal, Staging Tips 

By Christine Rae, Staging Expert


The Internet is the first source for viewing a property for most buyers, even before talking to a real estate professional. That means curb appeal is important because they are “driving by” the listing, and you don’t know it.
Here are 10 things to consider when assessing the curb appeal of your listing:
1. Pressure wash siding, decks, and walkways.
2. Clean windows and gutters, and check downspouts.
3. Check the growth of trees and bushes–ensure they don’t block light from any window.
4. Kill any mold or mildew around the property.
5. Mow the lawn, eliminate weeds, and rake and dispose of leaves, especially if it’s a wooded lot.
6. Paint the front door. Color choice has a big impact–so you might want to get a professional’s advice.
7. Make the front entry sing “welcome”. The degree of what can be achieved depends on the size of entry and, of course, your budget. However, even minimal improvements will make a huge difference: Consider flowers, a new mailbox, hardware, lights, and house numbers.
8. Don’t forget the rear yard–buyers may attempt to see the back yard during a drive by, even from another street.
9. Outdoor lighting is a huge plus as 50 percent of viewings take place at night. Today we are fortunate to have access to inexpensive but tasteful low-voltage lighting. Consider placing lighting along the sidewalks, driveway, or attractive landscaping elements. Take extra care to ensure your front door and numbers are clearly visible from the street.
10. If the inside of the home is visible at night, be sure the interior lighting also enhances what is seen from the outside.
Remember: You never get a second chance to make a great first impression!