1. Double check your doors and windows to make sure that they are securely locked.

2. Do not hide a spare key under the doormat or under a flowerpot. Burglars know all the good hiding places.

3. If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. NEVER LET THEM INTO YOUR HOME!

4. Get a "beware of dog" sign or better yet, get a dog.

5. Get a timer to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals to make it appear as though you are home.

6. Invest in solid doors and good quality locks for your doors and windows.

7. Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be burglars.

8. Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of all valuables in a safe place away from your home, such as a bank safety deposit box.

9. Teach your children the use of all emergency telephone numbers, and place all emergency telephone numbers by all of your telephones.

10. Invest in an affordable security alarm system.