Never give keys to maintenance or delivery people, leave a key with a trusted neighbor instead.

Don't place identification tags on your keys or key rings; if you lose them, potential burglars can find the doors that they fit.  

When leaving your keys with the garage or valet parking, don't leave them with your house keys as well. If you must leave a key with a valet or parking attendant, leave the key to your car's ignition only. Take all other keys with you.    

Never give out personal information to strangers who call you on the telephone. Burglars sometimes pose as telephone solicitors or conductors of surveys, and if you answer their questions, they can discover the contents of your home. You don't have to answer an unknown caller's questions, and you don't have to participate in anybody's survey.  

Don't leave notes on your door announcing your absence, and don't have your answering machine message saying that 'you will be out of town for this weekend'!

Have a trusted neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers every day while you are on vacation.  

Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you are away. Leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.  

When going on vacation, let a trusted friend know how to get in touch with you in case of an emergency.  

Know your neighbors and have their phone numbers recorded.    

Leave a light on in one or two rooms when you are not at home at night. This will give your home the appearance of being occupied while you are away.  

Don't keep a spare key hidden within 10 feet of your door. Burglars know that if it is hidden, it is close to the door.

Don't leave a note on your door telling people that you are not at home. Anyone who happens to pass by could see it, and your message might become an invitation to any Burglar seeking an entry