Michiana Weekly Crime Watch

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Most people don’t pay attention to the crime happening in their city or community unless it directly affects them or people they know.  If there is crime going on in the “city” and you live in the “suburbs”, the tendency is to think “as long as crime stays there and doesn’t encroach upon me, I’m OK with that.” But when crime happens in the city and people in the “burbs” become complacent that it won’t happen to them, that’s when the hard core criminal realizes what a huge “pot of gold” there is out in the “suburbs.”

My suggestion is for homeowners and people everywhere to become more proactive and educated about the best ways to protect their homes from criminal burglars and hard core punks and to make their personal safety, security and awareness  a top priority 24/7  whether at home or wherever they are.

As someone who has been in the home and personal security industry for over 25 years, I have seen crime dramatically increase in the Michiana Area (Northern Indiana-Lower Michigan) over the past 4-5 years.  With our economy in the tank and many people without jobs criminals are looking for easy targets to get the cash they need.  Home burglaries, home invasions, personal assaults and robberies have gone off the charts partially because people have become complacent.  They think these types of crimes happen to other people - you know the ones in the “city.“   Once that mindset happens and the guard is let down, they themselves can become an easy target!

Don’t let that happen to you.  Realize that all you need to do is become proactive in the things that will make your home secure, safe and well protected.  And that can begin with installing a home security system.  When you’re out and about by yourself, carry a personal alarm with a 140 decibel alarm on your key chain…and better yet add pepper spray to your key chain.  Keep some kind of personal protection in your home and if you do install an alarm system get a remote keyfob with a 24/7 panic button.  Should you need help all you do is press the button and the authorities and others are alerted that you need help.

Here are some of the crimes that have happened in the past week in the South Bend-Michiana Area.  Since I’ll be putting out a Michiana Weekly Crime Watch report I’ll include as many cities in Michiana but for right now as I look at the newspaper it shows four criminal events that happened just last week alone.

• South Bend - Three women robbed at gunpoint. Three young women in their 20’s were robbed at gunpoint at 12:30 a.m. Sunday.  First of all when you’re hanging out in a “not so good” neighborhood at that hour you’re inviting crime. Sorry but you should know if crime is right next door and be smart about your personal safety.
• South Bend -Woman robbed while walking dog. Lady was walking her dog at 12:30 a.m. Look even your dog can’t always protect you.  But again be smart about personal safety and realize you may be putting yourself in a vulnerable situation by being out late at night by yourself.  If you must be out late at night, see if someone can walk with you or drive you home.
• Elkhart - 2 shot, girl dies - home invasion. Two members of a family were shot Friday night during a home invasion attempt.  A 7-year old was shot and killed and her father was shot when the door was opened.
• South Bend- Home invasion reported near Riley. A 63-year women was the victim of a home invasion Friday near Riley High School when she opened her side door about 3:05 a.m. to let her dog out.  Two masked men pushed into her home and stole $600 in cash and fled.

Be sure to double check your doors and windows when you leave or go to bed to ensure they are locked.  A lot of home burglaries happen through unlocked doors.  For more information on home security and personal protection - go to www.letstalkhomesecurity.com.

Be proactive.  Get a free security quote and protect your home with ADT by calling 1-877-388-9242.  Be sure to ask about the $100 Visa card offer.

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Your Home Security Checklist

No home is totally burglar-proof especially when a professional burglar decides to target your home.  But even the professional will admit that they can be discouraged from breaking into a home when the homeowner has tightened up the perimeter security of the home. 

To begin with identify the weak areas around your home and fix them.  Certainly, installing a good, quality home security system will deter most burglars.  However, building layers of protection for your home, even if you don’t have a security system, is going to make your home much tougher to break into.

One of the first things you should ask yourself about your home is, “if I am locked out of my home, where could I get in without too much difficulty?”  If you think like a burglar, you  will see potential problems with your current security and be able to fix them.  Review the following checklist and see if you have any weak areas that you can quickly fix to ensure your home totally secure and well-protected.

Protect your home with ADT .  Don’t waste time - get a free phone quote at 1-877-388-9242 and save!  Ask about the $100 Visa Gift Card.

EXTERIOR DOORS

1. Should be strong enough to withstand excessive force, be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw, and all strike plates and frames should be anchored to the home’s main construction.  *Deadbolts come in double key cylinder and inside thumb-operated models.  Frames should be free of warping, cracks, and in good repair.
2. All doors should be locked at night and every time you leave the house – even if it’s just for a few minutes.
3. Doors should be solid hardwood or metal-clad. 
4. Doors should have had wide-angle peep-holes at heights that everyone can use.  If you have glass panels in or near doors instead, ensure they are reinforced in some way so that they cannot be shattered.
5. Spare keys should be left with a trusted neighbor, not under a doormat or planter, or on a ledge.

 *Be extra cautious when using double key cylinder deadbolt locks as they could be hazardous if the  door is used as an emergency fire exit and the key is not readily available.  If used in your home, a key should be left in the inside cylinder whenever the home is occupied

GARAGE DOORS

1. Most overhead garage doors have a lock so you do not have to rely solely on the automatic door opener to provide security.
2. Overhead garage doors can be a perfect invitation into your home so keep the door closed when not outside.  Don’t make it easy for a criminal looking for an easy target.
3. The door leading from the attached garage to the house - service door - should be solid wood or metal-clad and protected with a quality keyed door lock or deadbolt.
4. Make sure the garage overhead and service doors are closed and  locked when leaving the house or when you’re retiring for the evening.  Develop that security habit of double checking!
5. When moving into a new home, reset the code in the opener and the remote control units.

SLIDING GLASS DOORS

1. The sliding glass door should have proper working, strong key locks.
2. Add a dowel rod into the track of the window or a metal screw placed in the top of the door frame to prevent the door from being lifted from the track and removed.
3. The best lock for older sliding glass doors is operable by a key from the inside. However, some of the newer sliding doors have solid cylinder locks with one-inch or more kick-lock at the bottom of the door making it extremely difficult to get the door open without breaking the glass.
4. Common sense says lock your sliding glass door every night and each time you leave the house.  It’s amazing the number of home burglaries through an unlocked door or window.

WINDOWS

1. Every window in the house should have a proper working lock and an extra metal pin or dowel rod placed in the track to discourage prying open.
2. On casement windows (crank type), make sure the locking latch works properly and the crank which opens and closes the window has no excessive play.
3. For casement windows that aren’t normally opened, remove the handle and leave nearby.
4. Have windows secured with a lock or metal pin if you leave the window open for ventilation.
5. Basement windows are one of the most common points of entry for burglars.  Remove bushes or trees if they hide the windows as this is an ideal place for burglars to work unobserved.  You could replace windows with Plexiglas or polycarbonate or reinforced with decorative security bars.

OUTDOOR SECURITY

1. Shrubs and bushes are trimmed so there is no place for someone to hide.
2. Include outdoor lights so that there are no dark areas around your house, garage, or yard at night that could hide prowlers or a burglar.
3. Include floodlights appropriately to ensure effective illumination.
4. Be sure to keep outdoor lights on during the evening – whether someone is home or not.  Or you could install photocell or motion sensor lights that come on when someone approaches.
5. Ensure your house numbers are posted on your house and clearly visible from the street both night and day should the police or other emergency vehicles need to find your house quickly.

SECURITY WHEN AWAY FROM HOME

1. Keep timers set to turn lights on and off in a logical sequence when you are away for an extended period of time.
2. If you have an alarm system, ensure it is activated when you leave home.  If you have someone watching your home who must enter, be sure they have a security code, password, and know how to use the alarm system.
3. Either stop your mail and newspaper deliveries or make arrangements for a neighbor/friend to pick them up.  A buildup of newspapers is a sure sign to the potential burglar that no one is home.
4. Let trusted neighbors know you will be gone and leave a phone number where they can reach you if there is a problem at your home.

OUTDOOR VALUABLES AND PERSONAL PROPERTY

1. Gate latches, garage doors, and shed doors should be locked with high-security, laminated padlocks for the best protection, and kept locked when not in use.
2. Grills, lawn mowers, and other valuables are stored in a locked garage or shed, or if left out in the open are hidden from view with a tarp and securely locked to a stationary point.
3. All bikes are secured with a U-bar lock or quality padlock and chain and are always locked even if we leave them for a few minutes.
4. Firearms are stored unloaded and locked in storage boxes and secured with trigger guard locks.
5. All valuable items, such as television, stereos, and computers have been inscribed with the identifying number per local police.
6. Your home inventory of personal property is up-to-date and includes pictures.  A complete inventory is kept somewhere away from your home (in case of fire).

Protect your home with ADT .  Don’t waste time - get a free phone quote at 1-877-388-9242 and save!  Ask about the $100 Visa Gift Card.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Start or join your Neighborhood Watch

This is a crime prevention program that uses people, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime in their own neighborhoods.  Neighborhood Watch involves neighbors getting to know each other, taking the time to watch out for each other and working together in a program of mutual assistance.

By cooperating with each other and the police, people can help fight crime in their community in the most effective way – before it begins!  Neighborhood Watch can help you substantially reduce residential burglaries and other crimes.  By participating, you will learn:

• What are effective crime prevention techniques for houses, apartments and neighborhood safety.
• How you can be a good neighbor by becoming law enforcement’s “eyes and ears” and helping them do their job of investigating and arresting criminals.

The first thing I recommend in a home security plan is to install a good quality security system from a recognized security alarm company.  When you install a good level of protection in your home BEFORE having a breakin, you usually end of spending less money and can still get very good coverage.  Being proactive is the key - don’t wait until you have been a victim of a home burglary or home invasion crime!

Protect your home with ADT.  Get a Free Home Security System - $850 Value - + $99.00 installation and 24/7 ADT monitoring.  Call today for complete details 1-877-388-9242 and be protected tomorrow.   Ask about a $100 Visa Gift Card too.

 

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20-Gauge Steel Door Brace

20-Gauge Dual Function Steel Door Brace.  This is what every homeowner needs for their “Safe Room” door, front door, back door and/or basement door as a secondary layer of interior protection against forced intrusion.

The dual function door brace is a security bar made of rugged 20-gauge steel, is adjustable, and installs easily under the door knob to provide additional security for your doors. The door brace adjusts to most hinged doors and the cap on one end of the door brace can be removed and used on sliding glass doors. With a clean baked enamel finish, homeowners will find the door brace attractive enough to use in their home.

Another recommendation for the Door Brace is in your home’s SAFE ROOM. This may be the master bedroom, a closet, or another room within your home that you and family members would retreat to in the event of a home invasion. If that happened, one of the first things to do would be to press an alarm emergency panic button (if you have a security system), lock the bedroom door, and put the door brace under the knob handle to prevent he door from being opened or kicked in. If you have no alarm system, quickly call 911.

The door brace will prevent the intruder from opening the door giving the homeowner time to alert the police or grab their personal protection, e.g., pepper spray, TASER, stun gun, or a firearm.

Other ideal uses for the Door Brace would be when you travel, staying in hotels, college dormitories, added security for a son or daughter who lives alone, and much more.

The Door Brace can be purchased at The Personal Security Store by CLICKING HERE.

If you live in the Michiana Area of Northern Indiana/Lower Michigan and have home security concerns, let ADT help you protect your home and give you and your family 24/7 peace of mind.  You can email me at cheryl@letstalkhomesecurity.com. 

As part of my “thank you” gift when you become an ADT customer of mine you will receive a 20-gauge steel door brace. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Do You Need A Security System?

With home burglary crimes growing exponentially in communities all across America, do you feel your home and family are pretty safe from everyday crime in your neighborhood?  Have you  thought about a home security system as a way of protecting your home?  You are only fooling yourself or are being naive to think crime only happens to other people.  That may be what many victims of a home invasion or burglary crime thought.

When you start thinking this way, you may be letting your guard down  leaving youself susceptible to becoming a home burglary/home invasion robbery crime victim!  When you think security, it becomes a “mindset.” You start to become more aware and alert of what’s going on around you all the time.  Having this security mindset means you’ll probably develop common sense security habits that ensure your home and family are protected 24/7.

The #1 thing in your Home Security Plan should be to install a home security system.  Most burglars tend to avoid a home protected by a reputible alarm company.  They are typically looking for an easy home to break into without making a lot of noise.  That usually doesn’t happen with a loud alarm going off - and the police being notified.   Wouldn’t you rather being alerted that someone has entered your home without your permission than to be totally surprised?

Protect your home with ADT .  Get a free security estimate at 1-877-388-9242 and save!  Ask about the $100 Visa Gift Card

The following video that talks about home burglary crimes in the Charlotte, North Caroline community.  They interview a burglar who broke into over 600+ homes and he tells you the thought process that a burglar goes through.  It’s an eye-opener so you’ll definately want to watch it.

No matter where you live crime is encroaching - from the big city to the suburbs to even the smallest towns.  Protecting your home before a burglary may make you less of a target or victim. 

The peace of mind you get from having a home security system can be well worth the price.  Plus installing a security system before a burglary may also mean you save money.  For a free phone quote to determine the cost of protecting your home CLICK HERE.

Protect your home with ADT .  Get a free security estimate at 1-877-388-9242 and save!  Ask about the $100 Visa Gift Card

 

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Solid Front Door Chain Protection

Look at the following scenarios depicting crime at the front door - the first video being a 1976 version while the second video depicts crime as it relates to today’s criminal intruder.

Video Courtesy of  Vasquez109

Video Courtesy of  www.strandna.co.uk Chain Reaction

What have you done to protect your front door from home intrusion?  Are you still living with a 1970’s mentality on crime - “it won’t happen to me?” Or have you proactively set up a solid, impenetrable level of perimeter protection to keep the criminal home intruder out?

Todays home intruders are a different breed of criminals.  They are bold, brazen, heartless predators who would rather shoot the homeowner when confronted rather than turn and leave.  As a homeowner it is your responsibility to ensure your family has a home that is safe, secure and well-protected.

As always stated I highly recommend a security system that protects your home from violent intrusion, fire, and other emergencies with a quick notification to the police/fire authorities.  However, I also realize that the goal of any security protection is to ultimately keep the intruder OUT of your home.  The front door or any perimeter door may be the first intrusion point that the criminal uses and extra protection there is vitally important.

I can remember hearing people say early in the 1990’s that they felt really comfortable having their security system protect their front door.  I also thought that was pretty good protection back then.  However, today I think you need to build more of an impenetrable level of protection - that actually stops intruders at the front door before they can enter, setting off a loud alarm or alert, that gives the homeowner time to react by either reaching for their personal protection or gathering their family to a safe room until police or help arrive.

Don’t wait to become a victim of a home intrusion!  Be proactive by implementing strategic home protection today!

Get an ADT Security system installed for Only $99* (after $200 mail-in cash back rebate) and 24/7 monitoring service by ADT.  Just call 800-699-9238 and give Promotion Code 12590 and a professional security representative can assist you.  Or you can CLICK HERE.

Get a copy of the FREE Report “Home Invasion Prevention” at www.homeinvasionfreereport.com.

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Insights Into How A Burglar Thinks!

Video Courtesy of Courtney D. James

Thanks to my friend Dave for sending me the following.  It’s a good insight - along with the video - what a burglar may be thinking as he is checking out YOUR home.

Things Your Burglar Won’t Tell You:

1.  Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2.  Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3.  Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

4.  Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5.  If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6.  If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7.  A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom-and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8.   It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door-understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather..

9.   I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11.  Helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12.  You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13.  A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system.  (I don’t believe this is really true). If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at faketv.com).

14.  Sometimes, I carry a clipboard. Sometimes, I dress like a lawn guy and carry a rake. (Remember what the criminal in the video said??). I do my best to never, ever look like a crook.

15.  The two things I hate most: loud dogs and nosy neighbors.. (Burglars don’t like security systems either because of the noise and police dispatch).

16.  I’ll break a window to get in, even if it makes a little noise. If your neighbor hears one loud sound, he’ll stop what he’s doing and wait to hear it again. If he doesn’t hear it again, he’ll just go back to what he was doing. It’s human nature.  (A good application for a loud 130 db glassbreak detector or ShatterGARD security window film).

17.  I’m not complaining, but why would you pay all that money for a fancy alarm system and leave your house without setting it?  (I agree.  Start using your system as soon as it is installed.  It’s easy to use and such great peace of mind and protection).

18.   I love looking in your windows. I’m looking for signs that you’re home and for flat screen TVs or gaming systems I’d like. I’ll drive or walk through your neighborhood at night, before you close the blinds, just to pick my targets.  (Install an Early Alert Warning System to let you know when criminal intruders approach your home from any side-front/back/driveway- The Voice Alert System will let you know).

19.   Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It’s easier than you think to look up your address.
20.  To you, leaving that window open just a crack during the day is a way to let in a little fresh air.  To me, it’s an invitation.

21.   If you don’t answer when I knock, I try the door. Occasionally, I hit the jackpot and walk right in.

Sources: Convicted burglars in North Carolina , Oregon , California , and Kentucky; security consultant Chris McGoey, who runs crimedoctor.com; and Richard T. Wright, a criminology professor at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, who interviewed 105 burglars for his book Burglars on the Job.

Get an ADT Security system installed for Only $99* (after $200 mail-in cash back rebate) and 24/7 monitoring service by ADT.  Just call 800-699-9238 and give Promotion Code 12590 and a professional security representative can assist you.  Or you can CLICK HERE. *Basic security system package.

Get a copy of the FREE Report “Home Invasion Prevention” at www.homeinvasionfreereport.com.

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Burglarized 4 Times In 13 Months?!?!

Spike In Home Burglaries - Courtesy of KXAN.com

The South Bend Tribune did a front page article last week about a homeowner who had been burglarized 4 times in the last 13 months.  Each time she was burglarized she replaced her stolen valuables with “new” stuff.  And guess what happened - NO SECURITY SYSTEM!! The burglars got brand new stuff again!

What would YOU do if you were burglarized after the first time?  Now please tell me you’re smart enough and you care enough about your family to proactively protect them BEFORE a burglary happens!  However, if you have no alarm system or strategic protection set up in your home once you have that first burglary that’s your cue to install a home security system or at least beef up overall protection.

For a homeowner to be burglarized “4″ times and still have no security system - that is plain CRAZY!! There is a desperation among criminals at this particular time that is running rampant.  They are breaking into homes - whether homeowners are there or not - like it’s their job!!  They blatantly come in during the day when people are gone and at night while people are asleep.

The first thing you want to do is realize that no matter where you live crime is nearby - and potentially coming to your home.  The best protection would be to install a quality security system and ensure you have hardened the perimeter of your home making it extremely difficult for an intruder to get through.  One thing to remember - if these lazy bums have to work with any effort to get into your home, they will more than likely leave and go to a much easier home.  Remove the ease and target of opportunity and they will go elsewhere!!

If you leave your doors or windows unlocked, you are only inviting burglars and intruders into your home.  With home burglary crime part of our daily news, you are being irresponsible if you leave doors unlocked when away from home or asleep at night.  Make it a habit not to do that!

Here is a recent article on 7-steps you can take to protect your home and family from becoming a home crime victim:

7-Steps To Protect Your Home Against Burglary/Home Invasion Robbery Crimes

1. Install a good quality home security system with 24/7 alarm monitoring. This should be your #1 “To Do” in order to protect your home.  Set up your security protection to deter intruders.  Make them think twice before selecting your home by initially placing visible alarm yard signs in the front and back areas of your home and put alarm decals on windows.  Your alarm company will be alerted to any type of home intrusion, burglary or emergency and can immediately dispatch the local police.  There really is no excuse not to protect your home and family with a security system.  Remember the police can’t be everywhere and the security and safety of your home and family is your responsibility.  Be proactive and protect your home.  (Get your security system installed and start your peace of mind today - Call 866-755-6137 or CLICK HERE).

2. Harden the perimeter of your home.  Evaluate perimeter doors, windows, and locks.  Make sure to have solid core wood or metal doors for the main entry doors.  Reinforce frames around doors that are older or outdated. Consider upgrading deadbolts and locks to ensure they can provide solid protection in case of a forced intrusion.  If your door gets kicked in with the forced kick of a 250 lb intruder, you want to ensure your deadbolt lock will hold the door in place.  Check our security partners at www.theultimatelock.com to see how effective this locking system can be.  Windows and glass slider doors that are especially vulnerable can have a security window film applied on the inside glass to make it virtually  impenetrable to be broken through in an attack.  Check our security partners at www.shattergard.com.

3. Install an Early Alert Warning System for your home.  The Voice Alert System will let you know when someone is on your property and within a specific radius of your home.  Outdoor sensors transmit an alert warning to a voice enunciator inside your home to let you know what area of your property is being breached by potentially unwanted visitors.  Wouldn’t you like to know well ahead of time that someone is trying to enter your home so you have time to respond?  Go to www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com/voicealert.htm.

4. When you are at home, be sure to keep all doors and windows locked. If a stranger comes to your door, DO NOT open your door unless you know precisely who it is.  The majority of home invasion robberies happen right through the front door.  A homeowner automatically opens the front door without thinking and is confronted by a violent home intruder.  Make it a habit to ask who is at the front door before opening.  You can always communicate through a closed door. You are under no obligation to open your door to anyone - especially strangers.  Ask for identification if it is someone claiming to be from a utility or delivery service company.  Carry your phone and call to confirm their identity or call 911.  We hope to be to provide the Chain Reaction Home System in the near future.

5. Be sure to keep trees and shrubs trimmed around your home so you don’t give home intruders an easy place to hide.  Adding motion sensor lights around the home can also provide deterrent value.  The best place to install motion sensor lights would be in the front, back, and garage side of the house.  A suggestion would be to have the motion lights connected to a light or lamp inside the home.  That way if the outdoor motion light is activated it also turns a light on inside the house.  This gives the real impression to the burglar that someone may actually be at home.

6. When you pull into your driveway keep your car doors locked and observe if there are strangers around as you pull into the garage.  While still in your car, close the garage door and make sure it if fully closed as you exit your vehicle.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with groceries, packages, and work-related items to the point we aren’t paying close attention to what is going on in and around the garage area.

7. Keep some type of personal protection like pepper spray or mace near the front door - easily within reach in case of a forced intrusion. If you have small children, keep it out of reach and away from them.  Some homeowners resort to other non-lethal protection like a TASER or Stun Gun, other homeowners use lethal firearms for their family personal protection.  Be sure to follow local, city, and state laws regarding this protection and always make sure you know how to properly use the personal protection you select.  Keep in mind that the intruder may be armed so use your best judgment on how you will defend yourself. (www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com).

Be proactive and protect your home and family starting today!!

Get an ADT Security system installed for Only $99* (after $200 mail-in cash back rebate) and 24/7 monitoring service by ADT.  Just call 800-699-9238 and give Promotion Code 12590 and a professional security representative can assist you.  Or you can CLICK HERE.Get a copy of the FREE Report “Home Invasion Prevention” @ www.homeinvasionfreereport.com.

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Burglars Hit Hard In South Bend

Once again the front page of the Local South Bend Tribune states, “Burglars hit area hard.” There has been a recent surge of burglaries on the cities northwest side and South Bend - like other cities - only has so many police officers who can handle these crimes.  Burglars know this and are out in force!

During the past few months I have been saying that there would be a dramatic increase over the holidays in home burglary crimes.  Criminals are desperate and don’t care one bit whether they violate your property or your rights!  So what do you do?  Fight Back!!

Homeowners this message is for YOU! Take action to protect your home and family.  Stop being complacent and thinking this type of crime won’t happen to you. Here are steps you can take to fight back by implementing optimum protection strategies to target harden your home against intruders!!

7-Steps To Fight Back Against Home Burglary/Home Invasion Robbery Crimes

1. Install a good quality home security system with 24/7 alarm monitoring. This should be your #1 “To Do” in order to protect your home.  Set up your security protection to deter intruders.  Make them think twice before selecting your home by initially placing visible alarm yard signs in the front and back areas of your home and put alarm decals on windows.  Your alarm company will be alerted to any type of home intrusion, burglary or emergency and can immediately dispatch the local police.  There really is no excuse not to protect your home and family with a security system.  Remember the police can’t be everywhere and the security and safety of your home and family is your responsibility.  Be proactive and protect your home.  (Get an ADT Security system installed and start your peace of mind today.  Call 800-699-9238 and use Promotion Code A51539 and get a $200 mail-in Rebate. Be sure to give the Promo Code A51539 for full credit).

2. Harden the perimeter of your home.  Evaluate perimeter doors, windows, and locks.  Make sure to have solid core wood or metal doors for the main entry doors.  Reinforce frames around doors that are older or outdated. Consider upgrading deadbolts and locks to ensure they can provide solid protection in case of a forced intrusion.  If your door gets kicked in with the forced kick of a 250 lb intruder, you want to ensure your deadbolt lock will hold the door in place.  Check our security partners at www.theultimatelock.com to see how effective this locking system can be.  Windows and glass slider doors that are especially vulnerable can have a security window film applied on the inside glass to make it virtually  impenetrable to be broken through in an attack.  Check our security partners at www.shattergard.com.

3. Install an Early Alert Warning System for your home.  The Voice Alert System will let you know when someone is approaching or on your property within a specific radius of your home.  Outdoor sensors transmit an alert warning to a voice annunciator inside your home to let you know what area of your property is being breached by potential intruders.  Wouldn’t you like to know well ahead of time that someone is trying to enter your home or break into your car in the driveway?  The Voice Alert System lets you know giving you time to respond and alert 911.  Go to www.VoiceAlert911.com for details.

4. When you are at home, be sure to keep all doors and windows locked. If a stranger comes to your door, DO NOT open your door unless you know precisely who it is.  The majority of home invasion robberies happen right through the front door.  A homeowner automatically opens the front door without thinking and is confronted by a violent home intruder.  Make it a habit to ask who is at the front door before opening.  You can always communicate through a closed door. You are under no obligation to open your door to anyone - especially strangers.  Ask for identification if it is someone claiming to be from a utility or delivery service company.  Carry your phone and call to confirm their identity or call 911.  We hope to be to provide the Chain Reaction Home System in the near future.

5. Be sure to keep trees and shrubs trimmed around your home so you don’t give home intruders an easy place to hide.  Keep shrubs, bushes and trees well-trimmed - especially around ground level windows - so they do not block out light or serve as a hiding place.  Also  adding motion sensor lights around the home can provide a strong deterrent.  The best place to install motion sensor lights would be in the front, sides, back, and garage side of the house.  A suggestion would be to have the motion lights connected to a light or lamp inside the home.  That way if the outdoor motion light is activated it also turns a light on inside the house.  This gives the real impression to the burglar that someone may actually be at home.

6. When you pull into your driveway keep your car doors locked and observe if there are strangers around as you pull into the garage.  While still in your car, close the garage door and make sure it if fully closed as you exit your vehicle.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with groceries, packages, and work-related items to the point we aren’t paying close attention to what is going on in and around the garage area.  If you must park your car in the driveway or along the street in front of your home, take any valuables inside your home or place in the trunk.  Leaving valuables in plain view of a car burglar will make your vehicle extremely vulnerable.  Always lock doors, roll up windows, and if you have a door opener, take it inside.  Remember in a car break in the burglar can likely get inside your glove compartment and steal personal information such as car registration, etc.  Consider investing in a quality car alarm.  Also the Voice Alert System is another option letting you know when someone is near your car.

7. Keep some type of personal protection like pepper spray or mace near the front door - easily within reach in case of a forced intrusion. If you have small children, keep it out of reach and away from them.  Some homeowners resort to other non-lethal protection like a TASER or Stun Gun, other homeowners use lethal firearms for their family personal protection.  Be sure to follow local, city, and state laws regarding this protection and always make sure you know how to properly use the personal protection you select.  Keep in mind that the intruder may be armed so use your best judgment on how you will defend yourself. (www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com).

These are also important steps that should be included in your overall home protection.

• Have a Home Security Plan of Action that states exactly what you will do to maintain the safety of your home and family.  This plan should outline some specific strategies that will help to strengthen the perimeter of your home and outline things that you can do to help provide additional protection for family members if you are involved in a home invasion attack.  The plan may also encourage taking a self-defense and/or personal safety awareness training class.  By learning safety awareness and self-defense techniques and tactics, you will know defensive ways to protect yourself against an attacker whether at home or on the street. (http://letstalkhomesecurity.com/?p=1310).
• Join or form a Neighborhood Watch Group where neighbors know each other in the immediate vicinity. Get to know the neighbors across from you. Have a form and get to know your neighbors so you can all watch out for each other.  Go across the street 5 houses to the left and 5 houses to the right and do the same on your side 5-houses to the left and 5-houses to the right.  Then exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and vehicle types.  Recognize any unfamiliar vehicles especially those driving slowly looking at individual homes.  When you arrive home, if there is an unfamiliar vehicle parked in front of your home with people inside, you should drive on especially if you are the least bit in doubt or have a “gut feeling” that says drive on. (Form attached at the end the FREE Report for neighbor names/addresses).
• Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Sometimes your intuition or instincts will let you know when something isn’t right.  Listen!  When you are out and about be aware if someone - perhaps a stranger - seems to be watching you too closely, seems overly friendly, or way too interested in your personal affairs.  Be aware of any vehicle that you feel is following you a little too closely as you drive home.

Target Harden Your Home - get common-sense tips and products from your local hardware stores that help build layers of protection to an existing security system by CLICKING HERE.

Our website has plenty of home security tips, home protection strategies to keep your home well-protected and safe 24-7, personal safety tips, and home security resources.

Stay safe and protect your home and family.

Get a copy of the Free Report-”HOME INVASION PREVENTION” @ www.homeinvasionfreereport.com

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Do Burglars Have It Way Too Easy?

There was an article in Sunday’s South Bend Tribune Voice of the People section entitled “burglars have it way too easy in her neighborhood.”  The writer asked “who’s going to do something about it?”

My response is that the police need to CLEAN UP the crime mess, but like every other city throughout the U.S. crime is like a cancer that no matter how much chemo or radiation you throw at it – it just continues to grow. 

Therefore, my suggestion is to “fight back against crime” and if the burglars have it way too easy it’s because homeowners have NOT done everything they can to make their homes more difficult to get into. 

Homeowners need to take responsibility to ensure their homes are well-protected, secure, and safe 24/7.  People cannot rely soley upon the police because there just aren’t enough of them.  Crime is increasing every day and with the holidays coming on – there will be a tremendous spike in all types of crime.

We all need to take proactive action and begin implementing optimum protection strategies for both your home security and personal safety.

Here is an excerpt from the free report on Home Invasion Prevention .  Get a copy of the 22-page  report - Home Invasion Prevention by clicking here.

Ways To Avoid Becoming A Victim Of A Home Burglary/Home Invasion Robbery

1. Install a good quality home security system with 24/7 alarm monitoring.  This should be your #1 “To Do” in order to protect your home.  Set up your security protection to deter intruders.  Make them think twice before selecting your home by initially placing visible alarm yard signs in the front and back areas of your home and put alarm decals on windows.  Your alarm company will be alerted to any type of home intrusion, burglary or emergency and can immediately dispatch the local police.  There really is no excuse not to protect your home and family with a security system.  Remember the police can’t be everywhere and the security and safety of your home and family is your responsibility.  Be proactive and protect your home.  (Get your security system installed and start your peace of mind today.  My recommendation is ADT Security.  Get $200 mail-in cash back rebate.  Call 1- 800-699-9238 and give Promotion Code A51539 to ensure you get the $200 rebate).

2. Harden the perimeter of your home.  Evaluate perimeter doors, windows, and locks.  Make sure to have solid core wood or metal doors for the main entry doors.  Reinforce frames around doors that are older or outdated. Consider upgrading deadbolts and locks to ensure they can provide solid protection in case of a forced intrusion.  If your door gets kicked in with the forced kick of a 250 lb intruder, you want to ensure your deadbolt lock will hold the door in place.  Check our security partners at www.theultimatelock.com to see how effective this locking system can be. 

3. Install an Early Alert Warning System for your home.  The Voice Alert System will let you know when someone is approaching your  property and within a specific radius of your home.  Outdoor sensors transmit an alert warning to a voice annunciator inside your home and let you know what area of your property is being breached by potentially unwanted visitors.  Wouldn’t you like to know well ahead of time that someone is trying to enter your home so you have time to respond?  Go to www.VoiceAlert911.com.

4. When you are home, keep all doors and windows locked.  Also keep your garage down closed if you are not using the garage.  It’s an open invitation to criminals and such an easy way to get into your home.  If a stranger comes to your door, DO NOT open your door unless you know precisely who it is.  The majority of home invasion robberies happen right through the front door.  A homeowner automatically opens the front door without thinking and is confronted by a violent home intruder.  Make it a habit to ask who is at the front door before opening.  You can always communicate through a closed door. You are under no obligation to open your door to anyone - especially strangers.  Ask for identification if it is someone claiming to be from a utility or delivery service company.  Carry your phone and call to confirm their identity or call 911.  We hope to be to provide the Chain Reaction Home System in the near future.

5. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed around your home so you don’t give home intruders an easy place to hide.  Adding motion sensor lights around the home can also provide deterrent value.  The best place to install motion sensor lights would be in the front, back, and garage side of the house.  A suggestion would be to have the motion lights connected to a light or lamp inside the home.  That way if the outdoor motion light is activated it also turns a light on inside the house.  This gives the real impression to the burglar that someone may actually be at home.

6. When you pull into your driveway keep your car doors locked and observe if there are strangers around as you pull into the garage.  While still in your car, close the garage door and make sure it if fully closed as you exit your vehicle.  It is easy to become overwhelmed with groceries, packages, and work-related items to the point we aren’t paying close attention to what is going on in and around the garage area.

7. Keep some type of personal protection like pepper spray or mace near the front door - easily within reach in case of a forced intrusion.  If you have small children, keep it out of reach and away from them.  Some homeowners resort to other non-lethal protection like a TASER or Stun Gun, other homeowners use lethal firearms for their family personal protection.  Be sure to follow local, city, and state laws regarding this protection and always make sure you know how to properly use the personal protection you select.  Keep in mind that the intruder may be armed so use your best judgment on how you will defend yourself. (www.thepersonalsecuritystore.com).

8. Have a Home Security Plan of Action that states exactly what you will do to maintain the safety of your home and family.  This plan should outline some specific strategies that will help to strengthen the perimeter of your home and outline things that you can do to help provide additional protection for family members if you are involved in a home invasion attack.  The plan may also encourage taking a self-defense and/or personal safety awareness training class.  By learning safety awareness and self-defense techniques and tactics, you will know defensive ways to protect yourself against an attacker whether at home or on the street. Click Here for Home Security Plan.

9. Join or form a Neighborhood Watch Group where neighbors know each other in the immediate vicinity.  Get to know the neighbors across from you. Have a form and get to know your neighbors so you can all watch out for each other.  Go across the street 5 houses to the left and 5 houses to the right and do the same on your side 5-houses to the left and 5-houses to the right.  Then exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and vehicle types.  Recognize any unfamiliar vehicles especially those driving slowly looking at individual homes.  When you arrive home, if there is an unfamiliar vehicle parked in front of your home with people inside, you should drive on especially if you are the least bit in doubt or have a “gut feeling” that says drive on. (Form attached at the end the FREE Report for neighbor names/addresses).

10. Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.  Sometimes your intuition or instincts will let you know when something isn’t right.  Listen!  When you are out and about be aware if someone - perhaps a stranger - seems to be watching you too closely, seems overly friendly, or way too interested in your personal affairs.  Be aware of any vehicle that you feel is following you a little too closely as you drive home.  Or be observant when you’re home and notice strange vehicles in your neighborhood - especially late at night - that may be driving way to slow, driving with the lights out, or parked suspiciously.  Alert your local police if you have a strange feeling about this activity.

Target Harden Your Home - get common-sense tips and products from your local hardware stores that help build layers of protection to an existing security system by CLICKING HERE.

Our websites have plenty of home security tips, home protection strategies to keep your home well-protected and safe 24-7, personal safety tips, and home security resources.

Stay safe and protect your home and family.

Get a copy of the Free Report-“HOME INVASION PREVENTION” @ www.homeinvasionfreereport.com

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Home Security Safe Room-Part II

Do you want a Safe Room that can withstand bullets, an explosion, or  possible gas attack?  Or do you just want a Safe Room that can provide a secure and safe place for your family to escape from home intruders until police authorities or help arrives?  Here are simple things you can do to prepare a Safe Room in your home.  CLICK HERE to read Part I - Do You Have a Home Security Plan That Includes A Safe Room?

Here are some suggestions for your Safe Room:

1.  Reinforced frame around the door to the Safe Room.  Have a solid core metal or wood door to the safe room and a deadbolt locking system on the door leading to the safe room.  You may want to consider the Ultimate Lock deadbolt locking system as it can withstand 4,000+ lbs of force, has a lockout mechanism, and is a perfect solution for the safe room door whether it be the master bedroom, kids room, or the master bedroom closet.  To learn about the Ultimate Lock CLICK HERE.

2.  A security keypad or wireless remote emergency button that is part of your home security system.  The RF remote can send an emergency alert signal to your alarm company which will indicate that you need immediate help.  The police authorities are usually dispatched immediately.  You can also have this alert to trigger both an interior and exterior siren.  Noise is a big deterrent and most intruders aren’t going to stick around if they know the police are on the way.

3.  Have several forms of communications to alert police or to get help. You may want to have both a cordless telephone and a cell phone.  Even a radio communication would be good to have in case the intruders used a cell phone jamming device.  If you’re dealing with professional intruders, they may try to disable standard wired phones and cordless phones simply by cutting the phone line to your home or taking on extension off the hook.  When you call 911, your billing address is displayed on the 911 screen, so remember to give your home address just in case it’s different from your billing address.

Remember that a cordless phone requires the base unit to be plugged into the standard phone line in your home.  If the phone line is cut or unplugged, your cordless phone is dead.  That’s why it is important to have a cell phone or radio communication.  You will just need to make sure it is always charged and ready for use.

4. A quality flashlight.  You may need a flashlight if the intruder cuts the power to your house.  Also, if it’s late at night you may want to leave the lights off anyway.  Ensure you have extra batteries or a fully charged flashlight.  Consider adding a backup battery system or backup power generator to your home electricity in case someone cuts your power in an attempted home invasion.  It’s also a good idea to have in case of storms or normal power outages

5. If there is a window in your safe room, keep an extra set of house and car keys* in that room.  When the police arrive, you can throw your house keys to the police from the window of your safe room.  (You may even want to have a “pet blinky” attached to your keychain in case you have to toss the keys out a night).  These keys will allow the police to quickly enter your home while you remain secure in your safe room.  Additionally, if you are able to escape, you will have your car keys available.  If your safe room is on the second level, make sure you have an Escape Ladder that can be used.

6.  Bottled water and a first aid kit.  The time you will be spending in the safe room should be short - possibly 30 minutes or less.  Just long enough for help to arrive.  This will be a stressful situation and you will want to make sure you’ve considered even minor things.

7.  Personal Protection to save yours and your families’ life.  If all else fails and you have home intruders who have made it to your Safe Room, your life and the lives of your family may be in grave danger.  You need to decide if having something like pepper spray/mace, Advanced TASER, C2 TASER protection will be effective if confronted by violent intruders who have come with lethal weapons.  Do you need to have lethal firearms to protect your family?  The answer may be obvious for some people.  Only you can make the decision of what will work best for you!  But realize that if someone is intent on hurting or killing you and your family, time will be of the essence in getting the police or help to your home.  Whatever personal protection you use, be sure you are properly trained and know how to use it.

* If your car keys have an alarm button, you could activate the car alarm from your safe room. Noise is a deterrent and an audible alarm may alert the intruder/s to the fact that the situation is known to others.

Make sure each family member knows what to do if forced to retreat to the Safe Room.  From time to time set up family meetings to remind everyone of the process and why you have the safe room.  Let them know they are to refuse to come out of the safe room until they are absolutely certain it is by the request of police or law enforcement authority.

It is my hope that you never have to use your safe room, but it is best to be proactive and be prepared!

Stay safe and protect your home and family!

Get a copy of the Free Report -“HOME INVASION PREVENTION” @ www.homeinvasionfreereport.com

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