Lighting
Burglars won't find your home an "easy mark" if they are forced to work in the light. In addition to being a deterrent, good lighting also allows you to see if a threat or suspicious person is lurking in your path. If you are able to see a potential threat, you at least have the choice and chance to avoid it.
- Force any would-be burglar to confront their real enemy—light. Exterior lights and motion detectors, mounted out of easy reach, can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
- Illuminate or eliminate places an intruder might hide: the spaces between trees or shrubbery, stairwells, alleys, hallways, and entryways.
- Make sure there are no shadows or dark areas around the house, garage, or yard in which a person could hide.
- Set timers on lights when you’re away from home (or your business is closed) so it appears to be occupied.
- Don't depend on streetlights or lights from adjoining properties.
- Leave outside lights on after dark.
- Check lights regularly and replace burnt out bulbs.
- Protect your lights from vandals with wire covers.
- Padlock your circuit breaker box to prevent lights from being turned off.
- Exterior lighting should be bright enough for you to see 100-feet.
- Be sure your lights don't shine into the eyes of passing motorists.
- Remember that leaving your garage or porch lights turned on all day is a dead giveaway that you are out of town.