You should also make sure that you maintain a safe environment, for the physical protection of your family, property and belongings by using common sense when it comes to keeping your house secure. Getting in the habit of always locking doors, windows and garage doors when leaving the property is one way to keep intruders out, and using a security systems which monitors all areas and entrance points of the house is yet another way to have peace of mind for when you are home, while you are sleeping and when you are away. Security systems not only protect you from break ins, they can also be integrated to include fire safety protection and link in to emergency service responders for other protection.

Invest in quality dead bolts for all of your doors. Sliding doors can be secured with rods or a metal bar lock placed half way down the door. Always lock all doors when leaving your residence.

Close and lock windows when leaving your house for any amount of time. Also be sure to have or install quality locks on all windows.

If your garage is attached to your home make sure it is always closed when not in use. Investing in an garage door opener will secure this area of your home.

Outdoor lighting is a huge safety factor in the evening hours. Street lights and lights aimed at the front of your home will make it a less likely target to thieves. Install and use motion sensor lighting in less used areas to prevent entry.

Home security companies offer many plans to keep you safe. Some home security companies offer free installation of their unit. Check out all your options with all available companies before investing in this type of security as there is a monthly maintenance fee.

Neighborhood watches or community policing are a great option to keep your home safe and secure. If your neighborhood does not have a program in place contact your local police for a crime prevention officer to offer tips on how to start and maintain the program.

Your best option, whether used alone or with other safeguarding options is a dog. Thieves have stated a dog is your best defense in keeping your home safe and secure. A thief will pass by a house with a dog and choose a less secured home to steal from.

Let’s take a look at the ATM for example. How many times have you stood in front of this machine and done your transactions without even taking note of your surroundings? The truth of the matter is that a lot of robberies happen right in front of these machines and while security cameras might capture the crime in progress they do little to prevent the act from actually happening.

The first thing you need to remember is proximity. People like to crowd around these things and that can make it easier for a potential criminal to glance over your shoulder at your PIN. In most cases like this, the best bet is to simply avoid them. However, if you really need to use an ATM, try to find one in a populated area; there’s less incentive for foul play with so many witnesses.

Vermont offers a program where people in the community can partner with the corrections department to mentor former inmates. They believe people can change but often need a helping hand to do it. They know the importance of treating anyone with a criminal past with respect and dignity. They also provide aid to the victims and know that healing takes time and that people in the community can help make a change. Their overall goal is to reduce crime in the area by rehabilitation and knowledge. This is a big challenge, but the citizens of Vermont are willing to take it on to make their state a safer place to live.The hits keep comin-: Vermont Tribes Receive State Recognition

Form a local watch group. A local watch group is an organization of residents who keep an eye out for suspicious activity. Whether it is excessive loitering, suspicious transactions, or obvious crimes in progress, a local watch group will report the activity as soon as it is observed. Usually, a local watch group will work in cooperation with the police department.

Get involved with the youth. The youth are especially vulnerable to bad influences. That is why they need as many positive influences as possible. If you volunteer at a local youth center, you can help keep at least a few kids on the right track. They will further influence their peers toward law-abiding activity.

Take care of your neighborhood. You and the other residents should take the initiative in keeping your neighborhood neat and tidy. Nothing encourages crime like a neglected and trash-strewn area. On the other hand, nothing encourages law-abiding behavior like a clean, freshly-painted and well-kept community. So work together with your neighbors to keep your neighborhood looking fresh.

The first thing you should do to secure your home is make sure your outer doors are strong and secure. If not, they need to be replaced with steel doors. If you don’t already have one, a deadbolt lock is a must to help keep out intruders. Nothing can guarantee keeping an intruder out, but a deadbolt is a bigger deterrent than lock in the doorknob, as they can be easily tampered with by a pro.

Make sure the doors and windows are securely locked. Most burglars say they often enter a home through an open window or unlocked door. This is a habit worth getting into and instill it in your children, as well. Often, people leave doors unlocked or windows open when running a quick errand but should not.

Another theft deterrent is lighting. Leave a porch light on all night and have motion sensor lights in the rear of your home where it may be darker and more inviting to a burglar. A thief is much less likely to intrude if they can be seen easily.