Auto lights that go on when there is movement near are good...they might piss off your neighbor when a cat goes by but better safe than sorry.

Know your neighbors! When we go out of town we let at least 2 of our neighbors know so they can *keep an eye out* for us. We have had newspaper delivery stopped yet still received papers which my neighbor picked up when she got hers. Otherwise, they would have piled up and we would have thought all was well. Also give them an emergency # to call you at if they need to.

Make sure your doors have good locks. We had a friend broken into and we didn't have to wonder why. They had cheesy push button locks and flimsy doors. Outside doors should be metal cored or thick wood (not hollow) with deadbolts. We added extra security (sort of) to our front door by putting a clear storm door on which also locks. Can they break it? Sure but it's one more deterrant.

Lock the door from your garage into your house. Too many people leave theirs unlocked so it's *easier* to get into the house when you come home. What if your car is stolen? Your address is on your registration and most likely, your garage door opener is in your car (or pre-programed in). You just gave access to the thief

DO NOT use the keychain alarm turn off for your keys. I do not understand these things at all. You can push a button so your alarm goes off and you don't have to enter a code. Gee, that's smart....let's put our car keys and house keys on the key chain that turns off your alarm. Get your purchase or keys stolen and viola.

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Proud to say I haven't shopped at a Wal-Mart since Sept 2003