A stalker is defined as an individual who follows or pursues another individual out of obsession or derangement. Two-thirds of all stalkers are ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands. Stalking is driven by obsession. There are two main types of stalkers. The first are those obsessed with love; they tend to target complete strangers. The second group are driven by simple obsession and usually focus on someone they know. Generally, the person has rejected the stalker in some form and this drives the stalking behavior. Stalkers have trouble accepting “no” as an answer for anything.

There are some things to look for to help decide if you are being stalked. If you receive a lot of hang-up calls, or hang-ups on your answering machine, it could be a stalker checking to see if you are home. You may receive strange letters in the mail or through emails. This person may always seem to be everywhere you are: the gym, coffee shop, library. Now, all of this does not always mean you are being stalked, coincidences do happen. But, if these behaviors escalate and this person begins to show up at your home and increases contact with you, it is time to act. Some may try and convince you that it is sweet that someone is trying to get your attention this way. Do not take this type of behavior lightly. Stalking is illegal and can become a very dangerous situation if not dealt with properly.

Recently, a friend of mine had just finished tutoring a student at the library. As she was cleaning up her materials, a man approached her and said how he had been watching her the last few weeks how well she worked with kids. He continued to make comments on her body type and tried to give her his card so they could “talk about why she got into the field of education.” As she shared her story and told us how afraid she had been, she wondered if she was over reacting. We all assured her that in that type of situation, you have every right to over react. She changed her tutoring location for a few weeks. When she did return to the library, she was prepared to tell the security on hand if the man showed up again.

Learn what the stalking laws are in your state. If you choose to confront your stalker, do not do it alone. Be sure you have witnesses and someone with you for back up. Like in the case above, mention what is happening to a manager or security personnel. Preferably do it in a public location. As hard as it may seem, call the police and report every incident. If it is well documented, you will have an easier time obtaining a restraining order should it get to that point. Keep any letters and phone messages as proof, and keep a diary of confrontations or sightings. Change your routine if you can, going to the gym at a different time or driving a different route to work. You may even consider changing your phone number. Carrying protection such as pepper spray may also be a wise choice.

• A teenager hitting his mother
• A father hitting his children
• A boyfriend emotionally abusing his girlfriend
• A relative sexually abusing a family member
• A wife hitting her husband.

Warning Signs

When an individual is a victim of domestic abuse, he or she is ashamed and embarrassed. People are often reluctant to share information with anyone due to the fear of retaliation by the abuser. The abuser may make threats if the victim dares tell anyone, or may convince the victim that they are at fault. Most victims won’t report abuse themselves, so you must be on the lookout for warning signs. The following may be signs domestic abuse is occurring:

• Consistent occurrence of bruises
• Poor or inconsistent excuses for bruises or injuries
• Change in confidence or overall behavior
• A high absence rate from school or work
• Easily startled or seems continuously frightened
• Changes the subject or becomes uncomfortable when asked about injuries and home life.

If you see any of these behaviors in a child and suspect abuse, in some states you can make anonymous reports to your county’s Jobs and Family Services Department. Check with your local department to learn about their regulations about reporting.

If an adult is the victim in question, you may try and approach the individual when he or she is away from the abuser and mention your suspicions. For additional assistance, seek out another family member to keep an eye out for signs of unusual behavior and abuse.

Throwing Someone Out of the House

If you are the victim of domestic violence and you make the decision to throw the abuser out of your home, there are some precautions to take, afterward, to ensure your safety.

• Keep windows and doors locked at all times, even if you are at home.
• Change the locks on all of your doors. Even if the abuser has given you a set of keys, you can not be sure if there are additional copies.
• If you do not already have them, install peepholes in your doors. This will allow you to see who is at the door before opening it.
• Check that sliding glass doors have a bar or pole in place in addition to a regular lock. This keeps the door from sliding open if the lock is compromised.
• If you have children, prepare them with an escape plan should the abuser return. Check with a trusted neighbor and see if the children can run there for help or protection should an incident arise.
• Be sure your children know how to call 911 in case of an emergency.

It is always important to protect your home from an intrusion, but especially in a situation like this. Learn about other means to protect your home, both inside and out.

Restraining Order

A restraining order is an order of protection and will prevent an abuser from coming within a specified distance of you. If you have a restraining order and the individual shows up at your place of work or at your home, they can be arrested and sent to jail if you report them. To file a restraining order, you must fear that the offender will cause bodily harm to you or that you are in danger when they are near. You can file the papers at your local courthouse or have a lawyer file the papers for you. If you have any documentation of the abuse like photos, bruises, or records of police involvement, bring those with you as proof that you are in danger from this individual. If you are awarded a restraining order, keep the following in mind:

• The order is not effective until the offender receives their copy. Often the most dangerous time for a victim is the time between filing for the order and when the offender receives their copy. Take extra precautions during this period.
• Keep a copy of the order with you at all times. Make extra copies to give to a co-worker, landlord, neighbor, or a family member. Also be sure your local police department is aware of the order and has a copy on file. If you work in another town, do the same with their local department. This way if they witness a violation they can make the call and have a copy of the protective order as proof.

A restraining order is only helpful if you follow through and call when the offender is in violation of the order. Do not let the abuser talk you into not calling the police just this one time. The abuser may try and convince you that he/she has only come to talk. If the guidelines in the restraining order have been violated, call the police and make a report.

Where to Go for Help

If you are a victim of domestic violence, you need to immediately get help. Talk with friends or family, but also seek professional assistance. There are organizations in every community designed to support victims of domestic violence. They can provide legal guidance, shelter, and counseling for little or no cost. Do not be ashamed to seek this type of help; it is the first step in getting your life back and ensuring your safety. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is a valuable resource for anyone looking for protection.

Eye Gouge

No matter how big and strong your attacker is, a quick jab to the eye socket will bring on a great deal of pain. There is no real technique involved, just jam your finger or thumb into the eye as hard as you can. Even if the attacker sees it coming and closes his or her eyes, you will still cause some damage through the eyelid. Do not worry about causing any permanent damage; your attacker surely is not concerned about your safety and well-being. Once poked, it takes some time for vision to recover, so it allows time to escape.

Tips for When You are Grabbed from Behind

If you are grabbed from behind by an attacker, there are several techniques that can help buy you time to escape:

• Throw multiple hammer fist strikes into the attacker’s groin area.
• Repeatedly throw the back of your head into your attacker’s face.
• Use the edge of your shoe to scrape down your attacker’s shin.
• Repeatedly stomp on your attacker’s foot.
• Throw your elbows into your attacker’s rib cage.
• Depending on where you can reach, bite your attacker’s hand or arm.
• Kick the heel of your foot up between the attacker’s legs and make contact with the underside of the groin.

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Tips for When You are Being Choked

If you are being choked, it is critical that you act quickly. Within seconds, your oxygen levels will drop enough to cause you to pass out or even die. If your attacker is choking you from the front, you have both arms and legs free to fight back. Remember, the attacker most likely has both hands on your neck, which makes his or her personal defense more difficult. If you are being choked from the front, try the following techniques:

• Drop to your knees and throw a hand-strike to the groin.
• Gouge the eyes with your finger or thumb.
• Throw a front kick to the groin.
• Throw a knife edge kick to the knee.
• Punch your attacker in the stomach.

If you are being attacked from behind, grab the pinky fingers and bend them back as far as you can.

Tips for When You are Pinned on Your Back

If you find yourself pinned on your back with your attacker on top of you, here are the steps to take to free yourself from this position:

1. Lift up your left foot and place it firmly on the floor. This will bring your knee facing upward.
2. Quickly and forcefully raise your right knee and strike your attacker in the backside. If you apply enough force, this will cause him or her to lunge forward.
3. If your attacker moves toward your head, roll toward your left side (where your foot is planted).
4. Rolling will cause your attacker to lose balance. The attacker will then have to let go of one of your arms to brace for the fall. This gives you the opportunity to use your free arm to push your attacker in the chest. Push them in the direction you are rolling.
5. As you have your attacker off balance and rolling away from you, take the opportunity to get up and run.

Protecting Your Personal Information

The easiest and smartest thing to do to stay safe on the computer is to never share your personal information with anyone. Through message boards, blogs, and online social networks, people are reaching out to each other from all over the world. Some feel like this is a safe haven and it is all completely anonymous. Never let your guard down and start sharing more information than you should. Personal information includes such items as first and last name, address, phone number, or any password information. If you simply give someone your last name and the city where you live, it can bring trouble right to your front door. Likewise, sharing specifics on where you hang out, work, or what school your children attend are also not safe ideas.

Social Networking

The popularity of social networks, such as Facebook and MySpace, are a relatively new phenomena. However, they open an entirely new level of security issues. Carefully choose the sites you register with. Determine whether only registered users are allowed to view and post content. If the site allows you to limit access based on invitations that you control, you are better able to control the viewing of your pages. When choosing screen names, do not choose something that will give away your real name. Do not choose something that is sexually explicit; you will only be inviting the wrong type of cyber friend.

It is not a good idea to post pictures of yourself. This may seem extreme, but some will take that photo, alter it in ways that you could never imagine, and re-post the photo elsewhere (in which case, you could soon find a photo with your face, but the rest of your features will be entirely a shock). Keep in mind: Once information is posted, it is there forever. Even if you delete it, somewhere it still exists. Never post something you will not want your family, friends, or future potential employers to view.

Be careful not to flirt or become overly friendly with online friends. Do extensive research before ever agreeing to meet with someone in person. If you do meet, do so in public and never go alone. Tell someone where you are going, whom you are meeting, and when you expect to return. There are stories on the news about teens who believe they are meeting another teenager whom they met online, when it is actually an adult predator. Rarely do these stories have a happy ending.

Cyber Bullying

Bullying is not limited to the playground anymore. Through email, instant messaging, and social networks, cyber bullying has become a serious issue. The attacks may be directly aimed at an individual, or others may step in to help.

Hateful emails or posts are the most basic type of attack. Others include stealing email information or passwords. Then, the bully will email or post hateful information posing as the victim. If someone has your screen name and password, they can log on to almost any site and pose as you. An example of this situation might go like this: a cyber bully stole a female’s information, visited a sexually explicit site, and then posed as the victim. The victim began receiving emails that she did not elicit. Other cyber bullys may choose screen names very similar to yours — maybe leaving out or adding one character. Then, they post inappropriate things, which are then connected to you.

Another trend is called “warning wars.” Many Internet service providers offer a way to report someone who is using threatening or inappropriate language. If you anger someone, they can report you through this warning system, even if it isn’t true. If they get enough people to also report you, you may be banned from using the service.

Death threats or other threats of violence are also sent through text messages, email, or instant messaging. Viruses, inappropriate photos, or spam emails can also be ways cyber bullies attack. Many of these situations can be avoided by communicating only with trusted friends and family online. And, be sure to never say anything through cyberspace that you wouldn’t say directly to someone’s face.

Email Safety

One suggestion to avoid spamming or phishing, is to have more than one email account. Some experts even suggest three accounts. The first account will be a personal account that you only give to friends and family. A second account, for work, that is limited to work-related communication. Finally, the third account for use only when you must use an email address to sign up for special offers or contests. This is the only account you will want to open up for unwanted emails, keeping the junk email at a minimum. There is also free software that you can install to protect your account.

There are two main types of unwanted emails:

• Spam emails are basically unwanted emails, mostly advertising products. These often are the source of many computer viruses, so you should never open an email if you do not know the sender. There are spam filters and software you can set up on your computer accounts to keep these emails from reaching your inbox.
• Phishing emails are those explicitly looking for personal information, most often financial information. It is common to receive multiple emails asking for verification of credit card and password information for online accounts such as PayPal or eBay. Companies will never email you asking for this type of information. Whenever you get an email like this, contact the company directly.

PayPal and eBay specifically request that you forward suspicious email to them so they can investigate it. It is recommended that you do this consistently. Also, always forward this type of financial e-mail to reportphishing@antiphishing.org or spam@uce.gov. Be sure to forward the entire email, including the sender information and the body of the email. The only way to help stop this type of email is to report them every time.

There is also the very popular “You have won the lottery in (insert any out of the way, exotic country). Please contact us with your banking information immediately.” The other unimaginable email you may receive is from the person who has billions of dollars and wants to get it into the United States by passing it through your account. All they need is your bank account number! Report these types of emails and delete them immediately. They are never legitimate and will only open a Pandora’s box of trouble.

Stance

When you are under attack, you must stand and be prepared to block any kicks or punches coming your way. Standing straight and facing forward toward your attacker leaves you more vulnerable and gives easy access to your face, ribs, and abdomen. Instead, stand sideways with your hands at the ready and your face toward the attacker as in the photo below. Your weight should be balanced on your back foot.

This stance allows you to block any incoming attacks and puts you in a better position to fight back.

Front Kick

To throw a front kick, start in your ready stance as shown above. Using your back leg, throw a kick forward to make contact with the underside of the groin, one of the most sensitive areas on the body. Do not stop your kick when you make contact, instead kick through the target. This applies full force and makes the attacker more vulnerable. The photo below demonstrates how this kick will look:

Knife Edge Kick

The goal of the knife edge kick is to take out your attacker’s knee. To place this kick, put the heel of your foot directly onto the kneecap. Raise your foot high enough to get leverage to come down with all of your weight on the kneecap. The photo below shows the correct angle for coming down on the kneecap:

Blocking Kicks

Your attacker is not going to stand by and let you kick away. You also need to be able to defend yourself against kicks. Downward blocks are best for fending off kicks. Use your forearm to block the kick by throwing it parallel to the ground, reaching below your waist as in the photo below:

Stance

When you are under attack, you must stand and be prepared to block any punches coming your way. Standing straight and facing forward, toward your attacker, leaves you more vulnerable and gives easy access to your face, ribs, and abdomen. Instead, stand sideways with your hands at the ready and your face toward the attacker as in the photo below. Your weight should be balanced on your back foot.

Avoiding Contact

Avoiding contact is the easiest way to not get hurt during an attack. By constantly moving your feet and staying in your protective stance, you will become a moving target, which can throw-off your attacker. Your whole goal is to get away. Look for your attacker to become off-balance and then try to run and escape.

Hammer Fist

The hammer fist gets its name because the movement resembles the swinging of a hammer. To throw this punch, make a tight fist; using the bottom of your hand, strike your target. This type of punch protects your knuckles, unlike a traditional punch.

Front Elbow

To throw a front elbow punch, bend your strongest arm (probably the one you write with) and swing your forearm toward your attacker’s face. Let your elbow and forearm strike the nose. This will cause immediate pain and shock. As you throw the strike, step directly toward your target with all of your power. This is a punch that must be delivered when you are in close proximity to your attacker.

Blocking Punches

There are three main ways to block punches:

• An outward block is utilized to stop an assault that comes from the side. To throw an outward block, raise your hand to the side at a 90° angle with your forearm pointing straight up. Use your elbow and forearm to block punches from either side of the body.
• Using the same bend in your arm, you can throw an upward block. As you see below, for an upward block, simply raise the bent arm in front of your face to block higher aimed blows.

• To defend kicks and low punches, a downward block is used. The same bend in your arm is utilized, but you throw the arm down at waist level. As you see in the photo below, with a downward block your forearm is parallel to the ground.

You do not want to expel a lot of energy fending off punches and kicks. Always be looking for a chance to escape. As soon as you think you have your attacker off balance or distracted, that is the best time to run.  Also, be sure you are being as loud as possible during this whole series of events. Constantly yelling for help will not only draw attention to the attack, but will unnerve your attacker and prove you are not a weak push over.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

When you are out, constantly be aware of your surroundings. Look out for individuals who may be following you, groups of people who are drunk, or simply causing trouble. Continually watch for safe zones where you may be able to go for help should you confront trouble. Be certain to follow your instincts. If you feel unsafe in a particular neighborhood or situation, get out as soon as possible.

Be Confident

Walking with confidence is a key part of staying safe. Attackers are looking for an easy victim; they don’t want a battle. They look for someone who looks unprepared or unaware. Walk with a steady stride and keep your head up. This is good for two reasons: you will appear to be paying attention and this will make you look less like a victim. Plus, you will be more aware of what is around you if you walk with your head up. This means no digging in your purse as you walk or talking unnecessarily on your cell phone. Both will distract you enough that you will be more likely to encounter an attacker.

Another important tip: it is okay to be a little rude when the situation warrants it. For example, if someone approaches you and asks you if you need help carrying bags to your car, respectfully decline. Do not waiver. This could just be a tactic to get close to you and gain access to your car. No matter how much the individual insists, decline the invitation. Don’t feel guilty that you are turning the offer down. Your safety is more important than a bruised ego. Criminals love polite people.

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Make a Plan

Have a plan in place in case your home is broken into at night. Always keep your phone nearby and think about what you would do should you hear breaking glass or your front door breaking down. Ask yourself the following questions: Where would be the safest place for you to hide while you call for help? Is there a quick way to exit the house without being noticed?

Next, plan what you would do should someone stop your car and demand to get in. Would you drive away? Make sure your doors are always locked for this particular situation. Many late-model cars automatically lock once you start driving and reach a certain speed. This is a great safety feature, especially with kids in the car.

Don’t fool yourself into thinking a bad situation can’t happen to you. Anyone can be a victim, and it can happen at any time. Take the time to plan ahead — it can make all the difference.

Know Thy Enemy

If you know why many criminals act, that still won’t guarantee you will not be attacked; however, it does provide insight as to their motivation.

What do you think the main motivation is for most criminals? Most people think it is money. And, that is usually a major factor. However, the reasons criminals need money may differ. It can range from being unemployed and not having any marketable skills, to having a drug habit to support. Some individuals break the law for gang acceptance or a group of friends who are looking for trouble. Others may do it simply for the adrenaline rush they get from breaking into someone’s home.

No matter what the motivation, remember that the individual is driven by something and they will not be happy if you get in the way. Don’t trust basic stereotypes when it comes to profiling criminals on the street. Not every criminal looks like they do on your favorite police drama. This is why you need to educate yourself on the prevention tips above and learn some basic self defense moves.

Before You Leave

Before you leave for vacation, be sure to make your house looked lived in while you are gone. Buy timers for some of your lights so they go off and on at various times during the evening. Stop your mail and newspaper services, or, have a trusted neighbor retrieve them for you. If a week’s worth of newspapers are laying in your driveway, that is a sure sign of an empty house.

As far as your vacation itself, be careful to plan ahead and follow-up on any reservations that you have made. There is nothing worse than getting to a hotel in a strange location and finding out you don’t have a room. Make a copy of your trip itinerary and leave it with a neighbor or family member. Be sure to include names of hotels and numbers, along with corresponding dates. This makes it easier for people to contact you in case of an emergency at home. If you do not return home on schedule, it is also easier for family to backtrack and find out where you might be.

Hitting the Road

If you are traveling by car, make sure to complete any routine car maintenance before departure. Change the oil, check all fluids, and be sure your tires are in good condition and inflated properly. It is better to take these steps now, than find yourself stranded on the side of the road in a strange location. Check that you have your registration information and proof of insurance with you at all times in case it is needed.

Pay careful attention to the speed limits as you enter new states. Laws regarding use of headlights also vary from state to state, so check those differences before you hit the road. Pack your car for an emergency with a first-aid kit, flashlight, a blanket, and an empty gas can. Flares and a can of tire sealant may also come in handy if you have car trouble.

Vacations can be hectic and if you lock your keys in the car, you will need a spare. Purchase a magnetic key case and hide a key on your car, or keep a spare on you at all times. If you have a cell phone, check that you will have coverage as you travel. For tips for staying safe while traveling by car, visit the car safety page.

Hotel Safety

If you stop at a hotel overnight, it is a good idea to unpack as much as possible from your car, especially valuable items like DVD players, game systems, cash, or jewelry. Anything left out in the open will be a draw for someone to break into your vehicle.

As you get off the plane or are getting onto a shuttle service, do not share your hotel plans with strangers. It is safer not to share this information with a potential criminal.

Once at the hotel, don’t let your belongings out of sight. Even if you have a bellhop carry your bags, walk with them to ensure your bags are not compromised. When you leave your room for the day, do not leave cash or valuables behind. Ask if the hotel or your room has a safe. It is best to not bring expensive jewelry along on vacation for this reason.

When you are in your room, be sure your doors are locked at all times. If a staff member is at your door and you did not call for them, do not hesitate to call the front desk to confirm why they are at your door. Many criminals will pose as hotel workers to gain access to rooms. There is a tactic criminals use called a push-in. When a guest is opening the door to their room, they are pushed in from behind and the criminal follows them into the room. To avoid this, look around before opening your door. If someone is coming down the hall, just wait until they are well past you before using your room key.

Familiarity with Your Surroundings

When traveling to an unfamiliar area, be sure that you do your research in advance. Often times, one wrong turn can land you in an unsavory end of town. Having a GPS system or at least current maps will help you travel safely in your new surroundings. Do your research on the Internet of popular places to visit and look for sites that have comments or ratings on attractions. These can be useful when planning your itinerary.

When you are traveling with your family, you are often more relaxed as your enjoy your time away. Don’t completely let your guard down and leave yourself vulnerable; you could easily find yourself the victim of a crime.

ATM Safety

ATM machines are a financial lifeline for most of us; however, using them safely is the key. Be sure to memorize your PIN. If you need to write it down don’t keep it in your purse or wallet, or write it on the back of the card itself. It is important to wisely choose the location of your ATM. There are many locations available, today, such as grocery stores and busy thoroughfares, rather than an unsafe, isolated ATM. If you must use an outdoor machine, avoid using it at night. Be aware of your surroundings and the possibility of someone loitering around the location. Watch for bushes or anything that would make a good hiding spot for a would-be attacker.

Whenever possible, take someone with you when you visit an ATM. Have your card ready when you get to the machine. Be sure no one is looking over your shoulder when you enter your PIN. Do not stop to count your money while out in the open. Wait until you get to a more secure location before checking your transaction. If you are suspicious of anyone in the area, it is best to cancel the transaction and walk away.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting is important for a variety of reasons. It makes your home less attractive to burglars during the night. It also makes it easier to find your keys and makes the areas around your home more safe when you arrive home after dark. Built-in motion sensors on lighting will save on electricity, and they also may startle an intruder when he approaches your home.

Timers on lights also ensure they go on even when you are away from home. Illuminate doorways, the front of the garage, and sidewalks leading up to your home. Set up your lighting so that you can see at least 50 feet outward from your home. If you have an electrical box on the outside of your home, consider securing it with a lock or moving it indoors. Criminals can get into these boxes and cut wires, turning off your protective lighting.

Security Cameras

Security cameras are not just for businesses. Installing cameras on the main entry ways not only gives you a good view of who is outside your home, it may even deter a would-be intruder. If there is a break-in when you are away from home, the cameras may help lead the police to who committed the crime. There are several different types of cameras:

• Bullet Cameras: Most popular and versatile camera. View footage on a monitor within the house.
• Dome Cameras: Most commonly installed on ceilings. View footage on a monitor within the house.
• IP Cameras: Allows you to view footage over the internet from a remote location.
• Fake Cameras: A cheaper alternative to make people believe they are under surveillance.

Some systems come with digital video recorders to record what is happening while you are away. Just like with a security system, you can also put up signs or decals that warn others that cameras are in use, another good way to scare away intruders before they think about hitting your house.

Plants and Bushes

Plants and bushes make your home look beautiful from the outside, but they can provide hiding places for intruders. Large bushes flanking your entryway are the perfect place for someone to hide and wait for your arrival. They can also hinder your line of sight, making it difficult to check the perimeter from the safety of your home. Placing large plants and bushes further away from your entryways and away from windows will keep them from impeding your safety.

Accessibility of Windows

Windows that are easily accessed from the ground level should be secured at all times. This doesn’t mean that a would-be burglar will not attempt to climb up to a second level to access those windows, so keeping all widows secured is important. Basement windows are also vulnerable. These windows are low to the ground and make them less visible from the street or from a neighboring house, which make them an attractive option to criminals. Be sure these windows are locked and sturdy enough to prevent a break-in.

Fencing

If you are putting up fencing around your property, the taller the better. This way, intruders can not see over the fence to stake out your property. It will also be more difficult to climb, especially with an armful of stolen goods. Gates should always be locked, and adding an additional padlock while on vacation is also recommended. Sheds should also be secured, since these are prime locations for burglars to look for lawn equipment and bicycles.

Lighting

If you are going to be away overnight, invest in at least one timer for a lamp in your home. Set it to come on at dusk and go off just before your regular bedtime. If you have two timers, you may put them in different parts of the house and on slightly different schedules. You may also purchase timers that can hold 7-day and 7-event programming, allowing you to vary the time of day the lights are activated. By altering the time of day when the lighting is used, it gives a more accurate appearance that someone is home, possibly discouraging a would-be intruder.

Windows

Keep your windows locked at all times, intruders will walk around your house and check for any possible opening. If your doors are locked, but windows are not, you are providing easy access to your home. Also, choose strong lock mechanisms that can not be manipulated from the exterior of the house. An intruder is not afraid to break glass to reach in and unlock a window or door. There are glass types that can withstand this type of breakage. Wired glass, laminated glass, and tempered glass are all types of window glass that are more difficult to break and can be more of a deterrent to intruders.

Another safety note when it comes to your windows: windows are an open invitation for a potential burglar to see into your home and take inventory of what may be worth stealing. For example: valuable computers in full view, particularly at night, are especially hot targets for individuals to quickly remove. It is wise to move computers and other “quick take” valuables to areas of the house, not easily visible from the outdoors. At night, keep your blinds or curtains closed to prevent people from seeing inside.

Doors

Be sure entry doors to your home are solid. We learned this lesson the hard way when burglars kicked in a panel of the beautiful, old, wooden front door to our home one afternoon. They then reached through, unlocked the door, and cleaned us out in broad daylight! If choosing a wooden door, it should be at least 1¾” thick. Experts say a metal door is slightly favored over a fiberglass door. We choose a fiberglass door after our break-in because it is less prone to dings and it will not rust. The fiberglass doors are slightly more expensive, but you will not have to replace them due to wear and tear. The door jam will give out before either a metal or fiberglass door would fail. Door hinges should not be accessible from the outside and should be mounted with long screws.

Your door frames should be durable, as they are often the first to give when force is applied to the door. We reinforced our door frames with metal strips down the facing. Be aware also of any decorative glass that may run alongside your doors. This is another opportunity for an intruder to break through the glass and reach in to unlock the door. Ours is a double layer and we installed a fine, metal wire between the two layers. Not as attractive, but once you are victimized, you don’t care a whole lot about appearance anymore.

Deadbolts and a strike plate are important additions to an entry door. The strike plate will give way before the dead bolt, so choosing durable screws for the strike plate is critical. If you have more than one lock on a door, it is recommended that they be placed at least one foot apart. This means the intruder has to strike several areas to break the hold of the locks. This is more time-consuming and time is of the essence to intruders.

Peepholes are also a great safety feature, as they allow you to see who is at your door before opening it. A wide angle peephole is the best choice, as it gives you a wider view of what is outside and someone can not merely hide to one side so as not to be detected. While watching one of those “how to stop a thief” shows, I saw a device that is attached to your door bell that has a small camera in it. When your doorbell rings, it captures live video and you can view it from a receiver in your home.

Sliding glass doors are a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow for intruders. Do not simply rely on the lock that comes with your door. Rather, install a wedge of some sort between the frame and the door. A store purchased brace, or a make-shift brace, such as a piece of wood or handle of a mop will do the trick. Also check that the door can not be easily lifted off its track allowing for easy access.

Garages

If you have an attached garage, it is critical to keep the garage door closed at all times. The door leading from your garage to your home should be treated as an entry door. Follow the suggestions above for making it as secure as possible. This door should also be locked as you would any other exterior door. Using an electric garage door opener is also safer, because it limits access once the door is closed.

There have been news stories lately related to garage doors being left open. Many people keep valuable items in their garages and leaving them open is an invitation for someone to come and steal your belongings. Police recommend closing the garage door when you are at home or even if you are in the back yard. Another related safety tip is to lock the doors to your vehicles once you are home. Someone I know had her purse stolen from her unlocked car. It was in her driveway and she was in the house.

Alarms

Another change we made after our home was broken into was purchasing an alarm. We determined that the burglars who were in our home were scared off prematurely by the battery back up on our computer. When they unplugged the computer the battery back up began to beep. They thought this was an alarm and quickly left, leaving behind valuable items right in front of them. Proof that alarms work even after they gain entry.

When shopping for an alarm, the louder the better. Your alarm needs to serve two purposes. It needs to deter the intruder from breaking in, and if they do get in, it needs to be loud so that they do not spend much time in your home. You should choose a system that includes motion detecters, transmitters for doors and windows, and a sensor that will trigger when glass is broken. Having a batter-powered pack up is important in case you lose power. A re-arming feature will automatically reset the alarm after it has been triggered. Being able to remotely set the alarm is a desirable feature in case you leave on vacation and after your are on the road for two-hours you realize you have not set the alarm.

You must decide on whether you want a system that is monitored by a company. We came across some that were not monitored and you installed them yourself. These systems would deal a preprogrammed number if the alarm was triggered. Determine your comfort level with each, and what monthly fees are involved with a monitored system. If you choose a monitoring company, be sure they are available 24/7/365. Never have the alarm’s control box installed in your garage or anywhere else that it will be easily accessible by an intruder. If an intruder can easily disarm the system, it will do you no good.

Whatever type of system you choose, proudly display the stickers and signs that come with your system. The police told us those are just as much of a deterrent as the alarm itself.

Safes

A fire-proof safe for valuables and important papers is also an important safety feature. Be sure the safe is bolted down so that it can not be carried away, or is so large that is impossible to carry. Keep it well hidden to reduce the risk of it being found.

Man’s Best Friend

Having a dog is another great deterrent to intruders. Their barking is often enough to steer away a would-be burglar. This does not mean you do not need to do any of the above to protect your home. Some friends of ours after our break-in said “Well, we have a dog.”, like that made them completely immune to a break-in. We know of a family with a dog that was burglarized. Their dog was locked in the closet with a nice assortment of dog treats. Even if you do not have a dog, a “Beware of Dog” sign may work as well as the signs announcing that you have a security system installed.

All of these precautions may seem like a lot, especially when you have never had a break-in and maybe feel you live in a safe area. Do not be lulled into a sense of security, because it can happen to anyone and anywhere. Those that live in our small town were shocked to hear our home was burglarized in the middle of the day. Take the steps now to ensure your family’s safety.