(NU) - Not so long ago, peo-ple did not feel the need to locktheir doors or windows. But timeshave changed, and so has theneed to use locks for protection.

According to the NationalCrime Prevention Council, mostindividuals do not have the prop-er lock security. Only half ofAmericans have dead-bolt lockson all of the entry doors to theirhomes and nearly one in five havenone at all.

The National Crime Preven-tion Council recommends check-ing and updating old locks on alldoors and windows and replacingthem with ones that provide pro-tection from keys being duplicat-ed without your knowledge, suchas Medeco Security Locks. In ad-dition, it advises you to make sureyour locks have a long enoughbolt so that the door cannot bepried open.

Installing quality locks is thefirst line of defense against homeburglaries since they can protectyou against physical attack. Oth-er steps can be taken to increaseyour security, as well. Here aresome tips from the NationalCrime Prevention Council.

• Use your locks. Even thebest locks can’t protect you if youdon’t use them.

• Do some yard work. Trimhedges and bushes so thievescan’t hide out.

• Know your neighbors.

Neighbors who look out for eachother are among the best, andleast expensive, defenses againstneighborhood crime.

• Secure your spare. Leaveyour spare key with a trustedneighbor. Never hide it on theproperty. Burglars have more ex-perience looking for keys thanyou do hiding them.

• Let there be light. Makesure all outside entrances — front,back and side — have good light-ing so burglars can’t easily hide.

• Stop mail and paper de-liveries. A pile of newspapers inthe driveway is a clear sign to athief that you’re away from home.

For more tips on securingyour home and yourself, visit theNational Crime Prevention Coun-cil Web site at www.ncpc.org orcall (800) 627-2911 for a freebrochure.

Locking Doors Still BestBet Against Burglaries

CRIME PREVENTION

NewsUSA

The first step in preventinghome burglary is installing

quality locks.

NU