Losses due to theft can be reduced by adhering to the following:
   a. Encourage employees to only bring items to work that are replaceable and have no
       emotional value.
   b. Purses left in unlocked, lower right hand drawers, and wallets left in unattended
       suit/coat pockets, are easy targets for ‘sneak’ thieves.
   c. Wallets and purses should be kept in a locked metal drawer when unattended.
   d. Lock-up the postage meter, cheque writer, and company cheque books when they are
       going to be left unattended.
   e. If petty cash on hand is over $500.00, use a money safe. Otherwise, use a metal cash box
       and lock it in a metal filing cabinet in the inner office at night.
   f. When a cash box or combination lock holder leaves the company, change the location
       of the cash box. This is to prevent theft by current employees who believe that the
       departing staff member will likely be ‘blamed’ for the theft.

Burglars don't like to be seen, so install lights that will light up the outside of your home. Motion detecting fixtures are a great idea, just be sure to install them where a burglar can't reach up to remove or break the bulb.

Plants and shrubs growing around your home can provide a great place for a burglar to lurk unseen. Keep your bushes trimmed so a burglar can't hide in them, out of sight.

Don't advertise that there are things worth stealing in your home. If you get a new TV or computer, don't just put the box out by the curb on trash pick up day and let the bad guys know what's inside. Break down the box or turn it inside out, so no one passing by will be able to make a shopping list.

Finally, make sure your home has a lived in appearance. Plug interior lights and a radio into timers that turn on and off at different times so your house looks occupied. If you're going to be away for a while - make arrangements to have your grass cut (or snow cleared), stop mail and newspaper deliveries and have someone pick up those flyers that seemingly show up every day. Getting a neighbor to park a vehicle in your driveway also helps make it look like someone is there.

Unfortunately, there's no guarantee that if you do everything suggested here that your home won’t ever get broken into. However, following these suggestions will definitely make it more difficult for a burglar to get into your home, and often that's enough to get him to try somewhere else.

Home security should be important to everyone whether you live in a house or an apartment.

Knowing your home is protected provides peace of mind both when you are away and when you are home. Security is important even if you have outstanding public safety agencies (police, fire, highway patrol, etc.) in your area. There are far more homes than there are police officers, not to mention a plethora of skilled thieves, so it's important for you to do everything possible to make your house secure rather than just relying on others.

When people think of protecting their homes, they often think of fancy expensive security systems with lots of bells and whistles. That is certainly an option, but there are measures you can take that won't break the bank, too. Also, depending on your home and neighborhood, you may not need the most expensive system.

Home security isn't just about your own home, either. A lot of determining whether or not you're a significant risk involves taking stock of your neighborhood including public safety facilities like police and fire stations. Though incidents can happen to anyone, some neighborhoods are certainly more at risk than others. Installing a burglar alarm can certainly help make you less of a target, but the best strategy may be to start a neighborhood watch.

Home security is also about you and your habits. If you have a large family where someone is almost always home, you may be less at risk than someone who lives alone and is frequently away on business trips. The value of your home and your possessions is also a factor, although thieves can also be tempted by less valuable items if they believe they will be easy to fence.

When you think of protecting your family and your belongings, you'll also want to think of personal safety and the protection of things that are important to you but might not necessarily be located in your home, such as your car. Motion-sensing lights and driveway alarms may deter thieves from breaking into your car when you are at home, but what about when you are at work? Or out on the town? Check out this site's article section to find information on car alarms and car theft prevention tips.

To keep your family safe, you should also include an accident prevention and fire safety plan. These types of dangers can put you and your family at risk as well as threatening to destroy your personal belongings. Forethought and preventative measures go a long way in this area.Http://www.homesecuredot.com

All of the security tips in this section were compiled from the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC).

Street Wise:

• Wherever you are stay alert and tuned into your surroundings and always carry a self defense item such as, pepper spray or a personal alert alarm.

• Send the message that you're calm, confident and know where you are going.

• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

• Know the neighborhoods where you live, check out the locations of police and fire stations, public phones etc.

Walking:

• Stick to well traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots, or alleys.

• Don't flash money or expensive jewelry.

• Carry a purse close to your body, put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• Use teller machines in the daytime. Don't approach the machine if you are uneasy about a person nearby.

• Have your keys in hand before you reach the door.

• If you think someone is following you, switch directions, walk toward an open store or restaurant. If you are scared yell for help.

• Have to work late? Ask someone to walk you to your car like a colleague or security guard.

In your vehicle:

• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure you have enough gas to get where you are going and back.

• Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you're coming right back. Check inside and outside before getting in.

• Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in underground parking lots.

• Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike.

• If you think someone is following you don't go home. Drive to the nearest police station, fire station, gas station etc.

Walkers and Joggers:

• Always tell someone where you are going and when you will return.

• Always carry a driver’s license/i

• dentification card.

• Don't wear jewelry or carry cash.

• Wear reflective material.

• Stay alert at all times.

• Run or walk with a partner or a dog.

• Don't wear headsets.

• Carry a wireless phone.

• Vary your route.

• Walk against traffic so you can observe approaching vehicles.

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