Most intruders seek easy targets - They want to get in quickly, quietly and unseen. The harder you make it for them, the lower your risk of a break-in.

Outside Doors - Solid wooden doors or doors reinforced with steel offer more protection than hollow core doors. Adding a quality deadbolt lock properly installed will enhance the strength of the door. Installation of a peephole will let you know who's on the other side of the door without opening it.

Windows - In addition to sash locks window pegs can be easily installed by drilling a hole through the movable window frame into the stationary part of the window. Insert a large nail or wooden peg into the hole to secure the window. Make sure window air conditioners are secured to the window so they cannot be pulled out.

Outdoor lighting - Use outdoor lighting to your advantage. Locate lights in areas of your property that are most vulnerable such as rear doors, ground level windows, garages and sheds. Install floodlights high enough so that an intruder can't unscrew them. There are many lighting options to consider such as motion sensor floodlights that turn on when a person or object passes by them. Photoelectric lights automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn. Low voltage lighting uses very little energy to illuminate lawns, shrubs and walkways.

Indoor lighting - Make your home appear to be occupied at all times. Put some electrical equipment on timers such as lamps, TVs or a radio when no one is home. If you are going on vacation ask a trusted friend or relative to collect your mail and newspapers and set up regular yard care.

Personal Property - Protect the property in your home by following these simple steps: make inventories on a sheet of paper of your valued possessions. Include the make, model and serial number as well as the value of the item. Place the list in a secret and safe place such as a safe deposit box at a bank. Videotape or photograph small valuables such as jewelry next to a ruler and your ID number. Mark large items such as TVs stereos and computers with an engraving tool including your drivers license number. Check your insurance coverage and update it if necessary. Be sure to ask your agent what items are covered.

Join a Neighborhood Watch group in your area. - Your eyes and ears are valuable crime prevention tools for you and your neighbors.

Returning home - Have your keys ready to enter the home. If something looks out of place such as a door ajar or open window, do not enter the home. Go to a neighbor's home and call the Police. If you feel you're being followed, continue on and drive to the nearest Police Station.

On the telephone - Don't give personal information to strangers. Hang up on obscene callers and report repeat calls to the Police Department.

Shopping - Park in well lit areas and always try to travel with a friend or relative. If you are alone at a mall or shopping center attempt to walk to and from your vehicle with other shoppers. Purses should be held firmly in front and not carried loosely by the strap. Keep your head up and look confident when you walk. Look directly at suspicious persons in the area or walking toward you.

In your home - Install a peephole in all doors and do not let anyone in unless you know them. Utility workers will have company ID and generally never need to come into your home unless you called them. If you have any doubt about someone at the door call the Police.

 

STAY SAFE AND REMEMBER: IF YOU THINK SOMETHING DOESN'T LOOK RIGHT TO YOU, CALL THE POLICE TO CHECK IT OUT. DON'T WAIT OR INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION YOURSELF!

Bicycle / Moped Safety - Mopeds, Electric Mopeds, Powered Scooters, all currently fall under the laws governing mopeds. Your Child must be 15 years of age, required to wear a helmet, have a moped license, have lights, brakes, turn signals and a seat. They cannot be ridden on the sidewalk and when ridden in the street have the same rights and responsibilities as a vehicle. You must comply with all laws governing the driving of vehicles on roads. You must stop for stop signs, red lights, etc. If you decide to purchase one of these for your child, you must be aware of the laws.
 

Are gas scooters legal?
Gas scooters are often classified as Mopeds or Motor Scooters but the laws per state vary greatly (and change often.) Please check with the Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Secretary of State, and your local law enforcement agency for information on licensing and operation laws.