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9 ways to protect your home from burglary

Set timers indoors
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Sczuroski recommends using timers that are hooked up to indoor lights, as well as radios or televisions. "Setting a timer to switch on about 30 to 45 minutes before it gets dark makes it appear more like someone is really at home, and combined with a radio or TV activating during the day and evening, that impression can be even more convincing."

"Burglars generally don't want to be confronted by anyone in a home. They basically want to slip in and out unseen. If they hear sounds of activity, they'll generally move on," says Buetow.

Timers can run from about $5 to $40, depending on their sophistication. A basic plug-in unit can turn a light on and off once or twice a day, whereas a wired digital outlet switch can switch lights on at any number of set or random times.


 

 

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