Store lock boxes or safes in a hidden area of the house.
Keep all personal information (birth certificates, passports, financial statements, etc) in a locked, fire proof safe or a safety deposit box.
Close curtains or blinds to prevent thieves from taking inventory of your personal belongings and seeing the home's layout.
Store ladders, tools and other outside objects that may be used to assist in home entry in a locked shed or garage.
Keep garage doors closed and locked. If the garage has windows, put the garage door release cord away from those windows.
Replace worn keypad entry devices. After extensive use, the combination of numbers and letters could be visible, providing criminals with information that can be used to gain access to your home.
Change the home's entry device access code periodically to prevent wear.
Make sure the home's address is visible for police, firemen and paramedics for easy identification of the home.
Don't post the family name on the mailbox or on the house.
Don't talk about vacation plans in public areas where others can hear.

One burglary occurs every 15 seconds, averaging around 5,800 a day and 2.2 million a year.
Most burglaries happen between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Burglars tend to avoid homes with security systems.
The majority of break-ins are committed by people who live in the same area.
Most criminals can burglarize a home in less than 10 minutes.
Almost 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window.
34% of burglars enter through the front door.
Burglars usually go to the master bedroom first.
On average the monetary amount of property lost during a burglary is $2,251.
In nearly 3 out of every 10 burglaries someone is home.
65% of burglaries occur by someone the victim already knew.
Almost 70% of burglaries where targeted in advance.
The most common items stolen during a burglary are cash, jewelry, guns, drugs and small electronics.
Homes without security systems are up to 300% more likely to be broken into.
Almost 87% of burglaries are considered preventable.