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We lose more than belongings to the criminals who attack our communities. We
lose our freedom - the freedom to feel safe walking city streets after dark, going to a park
alone, or letting our children walk home from school. We even lose the ability to feel secure
in our own homes. And our law enforcement agencies, no matter how effective, can't
protect us completely.

We can't always get back what crime takes away. But we can take back our freedom
to feel safe. This "Do It Yourself" handbook gives us the tools we need to ensure greater security for ourselves and our families. Do your part: Go over the checklists on burglary prevention, personal safety, and child safety, and make the recommended changes.

You can help prevent crime in other ways, as well. Start with your own kids, by supporting local schools and getting involved in activities. Teach your children to say no
to drugs, and help them foster skills to lead productive, fulfilling lives.

In the community, you can also participate in programs and organizations such
as Boy and Girl Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Clubs, Big Sisters, and Junior
Achievement. Take part in Crime Stoppers and anti-drug campaigns. Set up a block watch
and participate in Operation ID.

By working together, we can Empower ourselves to make our streets safe for everyone.

                                                                Sincerely,
                                               Stanley W. McNaughton
                                                              Pemco Insurance Companies

Contents:

Section One:

Home Security:

1. Physical Security

Locks

Door Frames

Exterior Doors

Sliding Doors and Windows:

Window Glass and Plastics

Miscellaneous:

Garages

2. Alarms

3. Block Watch

4. Operation Identification

Section Two:

Personal Safety:

Personal Safety Check List:

In The Home

Telephone Answering

On The Go

In Your Car

Child Safety

Child Safety Check List

Section Three:

Personal Property Security

Auto Theft Prevention

Bicycle Safety

Vandalism/Graffiti

Section Four:

Community Policing:

The Role of Citizens

The Role of Police

Community Policing Programs

Crime Stoppers

Stop Fraud Network

Section One:

Home Security:

Burglary is a crime that threatens all homes, but especially those which provide criminals with the "opportunity" to intrude, steal and escape undetected.
There are four primary strategies you can employ to minimize the burglar's opportunity:

1. Physical Security

2. Alarms

3. Block Watch

4. Operation Identification

Physical Security:

Alarms:

Many types of alarm systems work well to protect homes. The system should be individually tailored to suit the needs of the residents. Consult your
crime prevention officer.

Interior Lighting:

When you are away from home, keep some interior lights on. This creates the appearance that someone is home. Use a timer to turn the lights off and on
at normal hours. A radio playing adds to the illusion that the home is occupied.

Exterior Doors:

Install solid-core wood doors with rugged frames that cannot be spread apart with a pry bar. A single cylinder deadbolt with a one inch throw, in
addition to the key-in the-knob lock, is essential. Use a wide angle viewer to observe
visitors.

Garage Doors:

Always keep them closed and locked. A burglar in your garage has access to tools and ladders and can often work on your home undetected.

Windows:

Windows should have auxiliary locking devices. Keep your windows
closed and locked when you are away. Screens and storm windows should be securely fastened to the structure.

Landscaping:

Shrubs that provide you with privacy also give a burglar a place to hide. Prune bushes down to two feet or trim trees up at least four feet.

Exterior Lighting:

A 40 watt light at each entrance, including the garage, will provide
you with both safety and security and will not be wasting our nation's energy when used
in conjunction with a timer or sensor.

Time, noise and light are a burglar's worst enemy. With a little effort, you can
set up deterrents against possible danger, injury to people or damage to property. By anticipating the opportunity and taking proper preventative action, it is possible to
effectively "harden the target" and discourage most burglars from attempting a break in.

Included in the following pages are steps that you can take to improve the security
of your home. Many of these suggestions are inexpensive and some can be done yourself.

These recommendations are intended to help you better assess the security of
your home and to select new security devices. Don't hesitate to seek the professional assistance of your local law enforcement crime prevention unit.

It cannot be stressed enough that all homeowners must take the responsibility to assess and, if necessary, improve the security of their own home.

Locks:

Locks are the first line of defense against intruders. No one would argue with this statement. But too few homeowners know if the locks on their premises provide any reasonable degree of protection against thieves. It has often been said "the average lock is designed to keep out honest men". Locks on the market today range from bad to excellent in their protective qualities. Therefore, it is important to know which locks work and which one do not.

Primary Locks:

Key in the Knob Locks:

These locks have the cylinder in the knob and are commonly called cylindrical locks.

Extra force on the knob can defeat the locking mechanism. In most cases, cylinders are not designed with pick-resistant features. Keys can be readily duplicated.

Minimum security is provided. Two kinds of latches are common to these locks-the spring latch and the deadlocking latch.

The Spring Latch:

Since the bolt is spring-operated, it can be pushed out of the striker plate by inserting a piece of plastic (credit card), thin metal or wire between the door and frame. The bolt can also be held back by tape or the hole in the striker can be stuffed with wadding.

Security: none

Dead Latch Bolts:

This is identical to a standard latch bolt in operation but when the door is shut the latch becomes "dead", the spring action having been blocked by a lever operated by a "pin" beside the bolt. This "pin" is depressed by part of the striker plate when the door is shut. Very little force may be required to move the bolt out of the striker.

Security: Minimal

Door Wedge:

A wedge is inexpensive and when two steel pins are inserted into the floor plate, the door may be opened a few inches. The pins prevent the wedge from slipping if force is applied to the door from the outside. When not in use, it stores in a convenient holder. This type of a wedge with a non-skid surface instead of a pin may also be useful for bedroom doors. Also consider putting an extension phone in the bedroom for emergencies.

Auxiliary Locks:

Deadbolts:

The deadbolt gets its name from the fact that it does not move (is "dead") except with a key or thumb turn. It cannot be slipped with a card or tool because it has no spring attached. This means that to lock a deadbolt, you must use a key from the outside. If you pull your door shut and walk away, your deadbolt is not locked and your house is not secure. Remember to lock when you leave. There are a few things you should check when selecting a deadbolt lock.

1. the "bolt" should be no less than 1" when fully extended and should retain part of the bolt within the mechanism of the lock. This ensures some degree of strength where the bolt and mechanism meet.

2. The outside collar surrounding the cylinder should be of a substantial construction, i.e. not a thin alloy that can be easily crushed or ripped open. "Slip rings" are a feature of some slightly more expensive models. They allow the collar to rotate freely. This prevents the cylinder from being twisted off with vice grips or a pipe wrench.

3. It is important that a suitable strike plate be attached to the frame e to ensure a strong anchor point for the bolt to sit in.

4. This lock is available with a double cylinder (key required to lock it from the inside as well as the outside). This is recommended for commercial applications only, not residential. Many fire prevention professionals warn that double-cylinder deadbolts create a health hazard in the event your family must flee the home quickly to avoid fire.

Door Frames:

A lock is only as strong as the door to which it is attached. Outside door should be of solid - core construction.

Even the best locks and doors can be defeated by a burglary method known as spreading, where either a wedge or jack-like device is inserted between the two door frames. These methods can often be successful because doors and frames are purchased as single units and are placed into the wall opening provided by the builder during construction.

Although the opening between the wall and frame is braced at the top and the bottom with alignment wedges, the midsections are often left open, thus permitting the frame to bow under pressure. Solid blocks inserted between these openings will help to resist this form of attack.

To strengthen the frame, install large (3-4 inch screws) through the doorstop strip and the frame and into the heavier wood of the wall construction. The screws pull the door frame and doorstop strip tightly against the main wall's 2"by 4”s. Put such screws on the hinge side also to further reduce a burglar's ability to spread the door and frame.

If appearance is a concern, drill a shallow hole slightly larger than the screw head so the screw can be recessed and fill the depression with patching compound. Then sand and paint.

Hinges:

Check to see if the screws in the hinge leaves are small screws? If so, replace them with large screws. Where possible, use screws at least 3 inches long to go into the wall stud beyond the frame. When using larger screws, first drill a pilot hole slightly larger than the screw shank to prevent splitting the frame.

Exposed hinges:

Most exterior doors in homes and apartments open inward with the hinges on the inside. This arrangement protects the hinges from tampering. If your door opens outward, you must make sure that your exposed hinges are secure.

1. If your hinges are secure. If, however, the exposed hinge-pins can be removed, then you should consider changing hinges to the non-removable, commercially-pinned type.

2. Alternatively, drill a matching hole in each leaf or remove a matching screw from each. Into one hole, insert a screw that is 1/2" longer than the hole is deep into the door leaf. Cut off the screw head with a hacksaw. Now when the door closes, the headless screw will fit into the hole on the opposite leaf and hold the door to the frame even with hinge pins removed.

Strikers:

When considering a "deadbolt" as an auxiliary lock, it is often forgotten that, although this improves the means of locking the door there still remains a weakness in the door frame to force applied to the door.

A metal strike is installed on or in the door frame and is intended to house and protect the bolt of the lock. A typical strike is shown opposite and is often only fastened with 3/4" screws. Install at least 3" screws.

Most standard strike plates are small and are installed with short screws. It is important that the desired measure of security is not compromised. Therefore, an extended strike plate should be added to the frame to complement a good dead bolt. These extended strike plates are available from locksmiths in 8" or 12" sizes, and when attached with 2-1/2" to 3" screws, add a substantial degree of strength to the frame. A high security box-types strike installed with 2-1/2" to 3" screws through the door jam and into the wall stud will offer a strong housing for the bolt of a deadbolt lock.

Exterior Doors:

Exterior wooden doors should be solid-core but some may be hollow-core. Test yours by knocking on them. If a door sounds hollow, you have a door made of two thin wood panels filled with cardboard or fiber filler. It is easy to punch or cut a hole through a hollow-core door and reach the lock inside.

1. Replace the hollow-core or window door with a solid-core door. (Hollow-core doors are not suitable for exterior use in any case). Or better still, a steel door with suitable hardware will provide both security and better insulation.

2. A more economical solution is to reinforce the door on both sides with sheets of plywood, wood-grained formica, etc.

Even if your door is solid, you need to be concerned about the locks on the door.

Exterior Doors with Glass or Thin Panels:

Wooden doors with inset glass or thin wooden panels are easy for a burglar to penetrate and reach the lock inside. Burglars can also reach locks by breaking glass near doors.

Inspect the glass in or by your entrance. Consider installing a shatter-resistant plastic film adhered to the inside surface or a polycarbonate (Lexan) to the inside window frame.

French or Double Doors:

Your first concern with French or double doors is to brace one door with recessed cane bolts to reduce inward "give" of the doors. This leaves only one door active. Then install a single cylinder deadbolt with a one inch throw in the other door.

Sliding Doors and Windows:

Exterior sliding doors and windows have a number of security problems in common.. Many glass doors and sliding windows have flimsy locks that are easily pried or even juggled open.

1. If the door or window slides on an inside track, you may use a metal rod or cut down a length of wooden dowel to fit snugly along the bottom track to prevent the door from being forced open.

2. A "Charlie Bar" is a more permanent and visible means of preventing lateral movement. Some models are designed to fit an outside sliding door panel.

3. Some doors and windows can be secured with a pin. Inspect your door or window in the fully-closed position. I f the frame permits drilling, drill a hole through the outside frame and halfway through the sliding one. Slide into place a pin or sturdy nail that fits the hole snugly to prevent the door or window from being forced pup or back. Be careful when drilling through the frame that you don't damage the thermal seal or the glass. Fire safety requires that pin locks be installed at the bottom of a window, not at the top. This is to avoid super-heated air near the ceiling of a home engulfed in flames.

Window Glass and Plastics:

If a door presents a reasonable barrier, a burglar may try to enter through a window and forcing open the window catch with a screwdriver or pry bar. If this fails, some will attempt to remove a pane of glass by removing the glazing splines or putty with a knife . If this is unsuccessful, the burglar may be prepared to break glass, reach in and release the window catch.

To reduce the opportunity for entry by breaking window glass, you may wish to consider one of the following options.

1) An operable window, if seldom used and not required as an emergency exit, may be securely closed with tamper-resistant screws.

2) Replace thin glass with tempered or laminated glass. Reinforce the glazing spline with longer Finnish nails or replace the old putty and, while doing so, add additional glazing points to make certain windows cannot be removed from the exterior. If necessary, it would be better to replace the sash with one where glazing is held in place by an interior space.

Normal window pane glass is approximately 1/8" thick, extremely brittle and easily broken. Plate glass is usually a minimum of 1/4" thick and will withstand an accidental knock. Plate glass is used for larger areas because of its greater strength due to increased thickness and because the initial cost is worth the extra protection. Tempered glass, in addition to providing greater strength than ordinary glass for equivalent thickness, will not cut someone who breaks it.

Several companies have developed transparent polycarbonate materials that look like glass but are very difficult to break. However, these polycarbonate and acrylic materials should not be used as a window replacement. They are pliable and can be pushed out of the frame. These may cost two to three times as much as glass and have varying resistance to scratching. The more commonly available glazing materials follow, arranged in descending order of resistance to breakage:

Highest Resistance (Unbreakable):

Polycarbonate plastic, vinyl-bonded laminated glass, 1/2" thick or more.

Acrylic plastic sheets, 3/8"thick or more.

Medium Resistance (Vandal-Resistant)

Wired glass, 1/4" thick.

Laminated glass, approximately 1/8" thick.

Acrylic plastic, approximately 1/8" thick depending on specific chemical characteristics.

Medium Resistance (Break-Resistant)

Plate Glass 1/4" thick.

Conventional float or sheet window glass, more than 1/4" thick.

Tempered plate glass, 1/8" or more in thickness.

Note: Because he materials produced by various manufacturers may differ, this list should be regarded only as a guide. Ask your dealer to provide details on the resistance of the product to breakage.

Shatter-Resistant Window Film:

A new transparent polyester film is now available to make windows stronger and more impenetrable. It is no more than .007 inch thick, yet when applied to the inside of any window will hold the glass firmly together if broken.

This particularly useful in sidelights, entrance doors with glass panels or windows where there is access to inside doorknobs or catches. This film is inexpensive and easy to apply.

Heavy Duty Screen:

Heavy duty security screens with a minimum 3/4 inch times number 9 wire mesh, can be used to protect vulnerable areas. When installing any wire mesh, bars or grillwork, it is best to install it on the inside of the glass. If that is impossible, then install the screen with one way screws or a 3 inch lag bolt (with ends rounded off) to make removal of the screen from the outside more difficult.

Ornamental Grillwork:

Ornamental grillwork can be used to protect windows that are particularly vulnerable and easily accessible. To insure fire safety, use an inside release mechanism that is approved by your fire department so you can remove the grill in an emergency.

No untreated glass should be used when security is a problem in doors or entry ways. Even when deadbolts are used, if untreated glass panels would give a burglar access to the thumb turn, that glass should be replaced with treated glass or break-resistant plastic.

Garages and Basements:

Grillwork, Guards, and Bars:

Basements usually have the casement-style window and are particularly vulnerable to entry. The young persons responsible for most residential burglaries need very little space through which to enter a home, and the poor quality of window catch offers little resistance to the most casual attempt at entry.

Basement windows, even in a window well, will afford ample opportunity to a child or young person, and as such should be given as much attention for security improvements as other parts of the home. Improving only the window catch is usually not sufficient as the hinges are fastened with short screws, the frame is often not anchored into the foundation wall and the glass is single pane and easily broken.

Metal window bars or grills fastened securely to the exterior of the foundation wall, or between the storm screen and window, or to the interior basement wall are the only truly effective means of giving basement window proper security.

There are many styles of window bars and different methods of installation, some with non-removable screws, some with pins and others with a padlock.

Once again, to insure fire safety, use bars or grillwork that has an inside release mechanism.

Fire Caution:

You can deny a burglar quick, silent entry while leaving quick fire exits for your family. It is best to first call the Fire Department for advise on fire escape plans and then make security improvements with that escape plan in mind. Rehearse the escape plan, especially with children.

Miscellaneous:

Exterior Lights:

Lighting is considered one of the best determents to burglary. High pressure sodium or mercury vapor lights attached to timers are very effective tools that prevent trouble.

Passive infrared sensors that turn lights on when movement is detected are available. They are excellent for enclosed backyards, sidewalks or driveways,. They can be cumbersome when the area has a lot of foot traffic or animals.

Interior Lights:

During the hours of darkness, and prior to a normal bedtime hour, a home should have lights on in various rooms. A home not showing any interior lights will give the appearance of being unoccupied and could attract the unwanted attention of a burglar. Similarly, a home owner who leaves lights on when absent for a weekend or longer will attract attention to the home during the night because all other homes in the area are in darkness.

A light timer installed in a living room or family room and another in a bedroom, each set to come on and to go off at different times, will give your home the appearance of being occupied during the hours of darkness even when it is not. Timers can also be used to turn on and off a radio.

Chain Locks:

The chain lock is often used as a night latch. Chain locks are not recommended because they are usually mounted with short screws and have weak chains.

Through Door Viewers:

In order to avoid opening your door without knowing who is there, a viewing device is recommended.

The best solution is to install a through -door viewer, a miniature telescope with a wide angle (220 degree) lens to let you see someone standing to one side of the door. These are relatively inexpensive and will adjust to varying door thickness.

Ladders:

Step and/or extension ladders should not be left outside the house unless secured to an anchor point with a chin and padlock. Similarly, ladders left unsecured in an open garage will afford easy access to a burglar.

Storm Doors:

In warm weather, people like to leave their doors open, relying upon the locked storm door to secure the house while working upstairs or in the yard. Sitting the screen will allow a thief quick and quiet access to the inside lock and consequent entry to the home.

Install a "hook and eye" on the upper part of the storm door. This will hold the door closed even if the would-be thief tampers with the door lock.

Garages:

Keep the garage door locked at all times. There is no need to advertise your absence by showing the public your empty garage. Your garage also probably contains valuable items such as bicycles, tools and garden equipment. The burglar may drive right into your garage, close the door and load up the goods, or break into your house from the garage by using your tools to force entry.

The entrance door between a garage and the home should be a solid-core wooden or metal door with a single cylinder deadbolt.

As most garage doors contain less than satisfactory locking devices, you may wish to have a better grade installed. In addition, if you have an overhead garage door, you can increase security by drilling a hole in one of the tracks or door or both and placing a hook o or other device in the hole to stop the door from being opened.

Double, side-hinged garage doors can be made more secure by the installation of cane bolts. You may wish to consider installing an automatic garage door opener. This device allows you to stay in the safety of your vehicle until the garage door opens instead of having to get out to pen it.

It is best to purchase a dual frequency remote garage door opener and a worm drill or locking chain mechanism.

A positive point in favor of automatic garage door openers is that the arms and linkage on the door act as a barrier to forced entry. On the negative side, the door may open from a stray signal. Find out whether the unit you are considering purchasing will filter unwanted signals. This equipment can be disconnected from the power source if the house is not occupied for a period of time.

Section 2 Alarms:

Sturdy window and door locks are the first important steps in improving the security your home. Entry is made difficult and often not much more is required to deter a burglar. For additional protection, an electronic alarm system would provide excellent back-up to these security devices.

Homes that are left unoccupied or long periods of time or those situated in a location that prevents easy observation by neighbors are considered more vulnerable. An alarm system can provide valuable security and greater peace of mind for these homeowners.

No other security system is as efficient and practical for alerting neighbors and/or police that a break-in has occurred. The intruder is scared off for fear of being apprehended.

Alarm systems are offered in a variety of forms and the average homeowner may be somewhat confused when first exploring the alarm market.

Some alarms are simple, self-contained units that are cheap and designed to suit a single door or window. These types of alarms alert someone who is home.

Other alarms take the form of more elaborate systems that can either be wired to a bell or horn. this sounds the alarm locally (in or immediately outside the house) or it can alert a central monitoring station which will notify the police if an alarm signal is received.

Most residential security alarm systems fall into two general categories; perimeter intrusion detectors and area intrusion detectors.

Perimeter intrusion detectors are installed on the outside doors and windows. Area intrusion detection cover a given area or trap zone within the residence. Since area intrusion detectors are not useful when pets are left in the home, consider using mechanical sensors on some of the interior doors.

Recommended System:

An Ideal system includes:

1. Central station Monitoring including local alarm (outside siren).

2. Sensors on perimeter doors and vulnerable windows.

3. Sensors protecting the interior.

4. Stationary or remote "panic buttons".

5. Fire Sensors.

Questions to Ask an Alarm Company Salesperson:

1. Is the firm established, with a history of performance and service?

2. Does the alarm company have insurance to cover the cost of any damage to your property caused by the company during installation of the system?

3. Are the company and installers properly licensed and bonded? Is anything subcontracted (installation, service or monitoring)?

4. Is the alarm company a member of the Washington Burglary and Fire Alarm Association (800-248-9272)?

5. Is the system equipped with a battery back-up? Is the e battery rechargeable

6. Does the company offer a written guarantee? What is guaranteed and for how long? Are parts and labor covered?

For more information about alarm systems, contact your local police or sheriff's office.

Section 3 Block Watch:

Cooperative community effort is still society's most effective tool in accomplishing objectives too large for the individual. An isolated individual may have little control over his environment, but in cooperation with other, can accomplish much.

You and your neighbors can prevent crime within your community and make it a safer, more secure place to live. Even though today's lifestyles sometimes make it difficult to be as neighborly as we'd like, being a good neighbor is one of the best ways to prevent crime. Neighbors can be your best protection when out band together to look out for each other's interests.

What is Block Watch?

Block Watch is simply a program of neighbors watching other neighbors' property. At all times when you are at home, be alert to what's going on in your neighborhood. A police officer patrolling your community may not recognize a stranger in your yard, but your neighbors would.

How Does It Work?

The program works through cooperation - Neighbors Watching out for Neighbors. Neighbors know who you are, and what type of car you own,. They may be the first to notice a burglar at your window or door. Each neighbor can effectively watch those homes to each side, the front and back of his own home.

The Block Watch program is not intended to form citizen crime watch patrols or vigilante groups. You are only asked to report the situation to the police and let them handle it. It is not a good idea to confront any suspicious person(s) or attempt arrest yourself; your safety could be in jeopardy.

Activities to Watch for?

Scream from anywhere.

Anyone removing valuables from homes or vehicles.

Sound of broken windows or shattered wood.

Persons going door to door.

Strange vehicles parked at your neighbor's house.

Vehicle passing by numerous times, suspiciously parked or constantly traveling back alleys.

Anyone being forced into a car.

Beam from flashlight or light in neighbor's home.

Persons loitering around neighborhood.

If you see something suspicious. Write down the description any suspicious persons. get the make, model, color and license numbers of strange vehicles. Call the police and other members of your block Watch group immediately. Don't assume someone else has called. Call the Police Immediately.

How to Report a Crime:

Law enforcement needs your help reporting crimes. Be alert wherever you are and learn to recognize crime. When you see or hear something that might indicate a criminal act is being committed, don't hesitate to call the police.

When you are reporting a crime, stay calm and state the problem. Give the address where the emergency is occurring . Remember to give the full address and the nearest cross street.

It is important to be able to describe the offender to police after the offense has occurred. Police need to know the suspect's race, sex, age, height, weight, build, complexion, hair color, eye color, clothing and miscellaneous identifying marks such has tattoos, scars, etc.

Let the police dispatcher control the conversation. Answer all questions to ensure the best response. If you wish to remain anonymous, give your name to the operator, then request anonymity and tell the operator that if the elope need more information, they can call you later.

To ensure complete anonymity, call the Crime Stoppers program in your community (see Chapter Four - a Community Policing Programs).

What Else Can You Do?

Exchange work and vacation schedules with a neighbor(s) you trust so you can keep an eye on each other's homes. If you know that your neighbor is away and you see an obvious invitation to a burglar., correct it. Close the open garage door and remove the accumulation of newspapers from the doorstep. Make the effort ! Become acquainted with your neighbors.

How to Develop the program:

To develop a Block Watch program in your neighborhood , contact your local police/sheriff's department. They will assist in developing a community plan. For the program to be totally effective, each resident must take an active role in both security improvement and observation.

Section 4 Operation Identification:

Going hand in hand with security measures is the "Operation Identification" program. Operation Identification is a crime prevention program specifically designed to discourage theft and provide a means of easy identification of stolen and lost property by marking your valuables.

Have you ever wondered what happens to property that is seized or recovered by the police? In many cases it is destroyed or auctioned simply because it can't be traced to the proper owners. In cases or property that is seized by police from suspected burglars, criminal charges cannot be made if the property is not positively identified as belonging to someone else.

Proper identification makes it easier for the police to return personal property. How would you feel if you had an irreplaceable heirloom stolen from you? Even though your insurance might cover it, you'd probably rather have the item itself returned to you. Engraving your Washington State Drivers License Number, preceded by the initials WADL on valuables identifies them as uniquely yours. If you do not have a driver's license, engrave your Washington State Identification card, preceded by the initials WAID on your valuables.

The program is a strong deterrent to thieves. Although it does not guarantee your valuables will not be stolen, it has been shown to reduce the incidence of stolen property. Marked articles are difficult to dispose of because they rare more easily traced.

How do You Join Operation Identification

It's simple, just get in touch with your local police/sheriff's department and you can borrow an electric engraver at no charge. For deterrent purposes, the identification number should be clearly visible, without marring the appearance of the item. A second hidden number may also be applied.

You will also be supplied with inventory forms to record your marked property. Keep one copy for yourself in a safe place and a second copy can be sent to your insurance company. Operation identification is just one more step you can take to protect your valuables.

Burglary Prevention List:

Outside Perimeter:

Y N Are doors fitted with dead-bolt locks?

Y N Are your doors of solid construction?

Y N Do your doors fit their frames snugly?

Y N Are strike plates properly secured?

Y N Do you have key locks on inside doors within arms reach of windows?

Y N Are door hinges vulnerable?

Y N Do you lock your porch and garage?

y N Do you lock your doors when away from home for short periods?

Y N Do you lock the doors out of your view when working in the yard?

Y N Do you avoid leaving keys hidden near access doors?

Y N Do you leave notes on the door to indicate your absence?

Y N Are your windows fitted with locks and do you lock them?

Y N Are sliding doors and windows secured with a track pin or Charlie Bar?

Y N Do you keep tools, ladders, etc., in places inaccessible to potential burglars?