Stay safe!

Great news: Crime rates are dropping all over the country—but peace of mind is priceless! Our experts share the clever ways to keep your family and your property extra-safe!

1 Burglar-proof your home! Set up a simple alarm!

Think you need a pricey alarm system to secure your home? Not so! “Just having a sign in your yard that says you have an alarm deters most burglars,” says crime prevention pro Paul Cromwell. “And inexpensive alarms often work just as well as pricier ones.” Try a battery-operated alarm that sets off a siren when a door or window opens, such as GE Personal Security Window/ Door Alarm, $6.25, Amazon.com.

Lock ’em out!

One of the most effective things you can do: Keep your doors and windows locked! Shockingly, one in three burglars gets in through an unlocked door or window! “And since your door is only as strong as its lock, ask your locksmith to put in a deadbolt fastened with three-inch screws that burrow deep into the doorframe,” advises security expert Steve Kardian.

Be a thorn in their side!

A pretty way to thwart burglars? Flex your green thumb! “Planting prickly rosebushes or holly around your home can keep burglars from climbing through windows,” reveals Cromwell. Also eliminate potential hiding places by keeping large bushes trimmed and focusing motion sensor lights on doors and windows. Research shows that installing motion-detecting lights slashes your chances of being burglarized almost 60%! (One option: Frostfire 16 Bright LED wireless solar-powered motion sensor light, $11.40, Amazon.com.)

Hide your cash creatively!

“Since most burglars are in and out in less than five minutes, the best hiding spots are under a stack of blankets in your linen closet, inside books or tucked inside a coat in the front closet,” Cromwell says. “They’ll never take the time to rummage through those places.” Spots to avoid stashing your stuff? “A lot of people keep valuables in their master bedroom inside a dresser or under the mattress, or in the kitchen, inside a cookie jar or in the back of the freezer. Criminals know to look in these places first, so avoid them.”

Share strategically!

“Of course, it’s exciting to talk about an upcoming night out or vacation with friends, but it’s safer not to make these announcements on social media,” says personal safety expert Thomas Patire. “Studies show three out of four burglars monitor Facebook and other social media sites to learn when people will be away!”

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Stay safe when you’re out and about! Walk like a “STAAR”!

Criminals are on the lookout for nonverbal cues, so it’s no wonder that walking the STARR way, which exudes confidence and purpose, is proven to keep bad guys at bay, Kardian says. What to do: stride (“take forceful, confident steps”); stand tall (“shoulders back, chin up”); use your arms (“bend them naturally, and swing them as you walk”); stay aware (“look around as you walk, and take note of people or things that seem out of place”); and relax (“stay calm”).

Protect yourself with an app!

It’s easy to turn your cellphone into a bodyguard—just download a free app like bsafe (Getbsafe.com), and you’ll be able to sound a piercing alarm and summon help immediately with the push of a button! “These apps have been shown to be very effective in scaring off a potential threat,” says Kardian. “The app will call 911 and pinpoint your location via GPS. You can also set up a contact list of people to notify in an emergency, and they’ll receive a text alert!”