While I was on my run this morning I was taking some mental notes on how some homes look like an easy target for a burglary.  So today I thought I would spend a few minutes talking about some very simple things that you can do to make sure that your residential home security hasn’t painted a target on your home for a burglary. 

The first house that I want to talk about had newspapers from the last three days lying in their driveway.  That is one sure fire way to tell a burglar that no one has been home for a few days.  Burglars love it when families are out of town.  It gives them all the time in the world to break in and take whatever they want.

There are two things that can be done that would provide a good home security solution to this situation.  The first home security solution is to have a neighbor or a friend come by and bring in your newspaper and mail on a daily basis.   The other option is to put a hold on your paper so that it doesn’t get delivered while you are out of town.  The post office will also hold your mail if you ask them to. 

The second house that I want to talk about had very tall grass and doesn’t look like it has anyone living in it.  Now I know that some of you may be saying – if the house is not occupied, what does it matter what the outside looks like or if it gets broken into?  And that’s a good question.  Since I have done some renovations on my place, I happen to know that a lot of the things that look like permanent fixtures are actually pretty easy to remove and they can cost a pretty penny to replace.  Things like: light fixtures, ceiling fans, door hardware, even toilets are easy to remove.

As you can see, even a house that is empty can have some items in it that a thief can steal.  It may be a little more difficult to walk away with some actual cash but there are a lot of things that can easily be turned into cash.

Even though there may be a few reasons a house may be empty for a while.  Such as a rental property that is between tenants or a vacation property that doesn’t get used a lot.  You can still do some very simple things to make the property looked more lived in.  My home security solution recommendation for a situation like this is to either hire someone to cut the grass on a regular basis or do it yourself. 

I hope these residential home security solutions will help you to keep your family and your possessions safe from burglary.  Today’s solutions may seem a little too simple but I think that it’s always a good idea to have a reminder now and then just to make sure you don’t have “Break In Here” sign painted on your home.

Knowing how a burglar thinks is our first step on our home security how to make your windows more secure journey.  Burglars don’t like to bring attention to themselves and the sound of breaking glass is very likely to bring them unwanted attention.  Besides, there is a chance they may cut themselves in the process.  Not only could that hurt but it also leaves behind valuable evidence that can be used against them in a court of law.

While there may be some burglars that will break a window in order to get access to your home, the majority prefer to just open a window that is unlocked or is already open.  So, the first thing you can do to improve your home security is to close and lock your windows.

Depending on the age of your home and the condition of your windows, your window locks may not be enough.  The older window locks aren’t very strong and a burglar wouldn’t have any problem at all breaking in.  But don’t despair, you don’t have to run out and buy new windows and have them installed or even purchase a residential home security system (even though I recommend them).  There are some good quality window locks that you can purchase (affordably) and add them to your windows easily.  Here is a picture of a thumb screw window lock that is very easy to install and is a really affordable home security option. 

There are many varieties of window locks available.  Some even have keys making them even more secure.  Just be careful about installing a lock that requires a key.  In case of fire, you want to be able to get out if you have to and spending time looking for a key is not a good thing in the case of emergency.

However, if you are like me, you may want to open your windows from time to time in order to enjoy some fresh air.  Here is an easy home security solution that will allow you to have your window open and keep it secure as well.  You can use the same thumb screw window lock pictured above only leave your window open 4” or less before you install it.  I haven’t seen a burglar yet that can fit through a 4” hole so if they want in through that window, they will have to break it in order to get in.

As you can see, you don’t have to spend a fortune to make your windows more secure.  There are lots of ways to improve your residential home security and make a burglar think twice about wanting to break into your home.

The internet and mobile technologies have made information accessible on a level that couldn’t have even been conceived just a few short decades ago. Now, instead of having to get in your car and drive all the way to the store or shopping mall to examine or price a new product, you can simply get online and perform a half-second search. Instead of having to make it down to the bank by five o’clock on a Friday to make a transfer, withdrawal or get a balance on your account, you can simply access your account online. The only drawback of all these technologies is that they put more and more of your personal information within reach of identity thieves who can use it for their own purposes. As a consumer, you should be educated about identity theft reporting, including the necessary first steps if you think someone has stolen your identity.

Looking at an online bank statement and realizing that some of the charges were not made by you or your spouse can be a terrifying time. You’ll feel violated and insecure, wondering how it could have been so easy for someone to gain access to your social security number, birth date, address and other sensitive information. As soon as you suspect that your identity has been stolen is the best time to start the identity theft reporting process. The first phone call that you should make will be to the police. If you are travelling when the fraud occurs, be sure to report the offense to the local authorities first.

Once you’ve contacted the local authorities, you might want to continue your identity theft reporting by filing a report with the Federal Trade Commission. This is the best way to get details of your identity theft situation out to police departments and other law enforcement agencies around the country.

You also want to place a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the three major consumer reporting agencies. You only have to contact one of the agencies and they will contact the other two.  Placing a fraud alert on your credit report will help prevent the identity thief from opening any accounts under your name.  Also by placing the fraud alert, you are entitled to a free copy of your credit report from all three of the credit reporting companies.  Get your credit report and check it carefully for anything suspicious.

When you are completing your identity theft reporting checklist, don’t forget to inform the financial institution that is associated with the account that has been compromised. Every major bank and credit card company has a security and fraud department, and these people will be able to change numbers and access information immediately so that the identity thieves will lose access to your money. Although you may be able to arrange the freezing of your accounts over the phone, it is essential that you also file a report with them in writing. Be sure to ask the representative what information needs to be included in the report.

Finally, along with these first steps, you need to keep a record of everything that you do to as it pertains to your identity theft case.  Keep track of who you talk to, when, what was said and copies of any correspondence that you receive or send.