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close your blinds

To lower and adjust the horizontal slats or fabric covering of a window to block the view from outside. |Used to prevent burglars from "casing"(observing) the interior of the house|

Keep the outside of the house well lit

To ensure the exterior area of the home is brightly illuminated with light fixtures. |A primary deterrent, as burglars prefer to operate under the cover of darkness.|

To serve time in prison for burglary

To be formally incarcerated or imprisoned as punishment for committing the crime of illegally entering a building with intent to commit a crime (burglary).|A legal consequence and deterrent|

Install a deadbolt lock

To fit a specific type of lock that extends a solid metal bolt directly into the doorframe when engaged, providing extra security against prying.|A fundamental physical security measure for doors.|

Install motion lights/floodlights out of reach

To set up bright lights (floodlights) that turn on automatically when they detect movement, placing them high enough that an Intruder cannot easily disable them.|Uses sudden light exposure to startle and expose intruders.|

Don't grow tall bushes around the house

The advice to avoid planting large, dense shrubs directly next to the house.|Tall bushes provide cover for criminals to hide while breaking windows or picking locks.|

Prying the window open

The act of using a tool (like a crowbar or large screwdriver) to force a window open by separating the frame form the sill or breaking the latch.|A common method of forced entry|

Dog is not a deterrent

The statement that simply owning a dog, espwcially a small or quiet one, does not reliably discourage a determined burglar.|Used to temper expectations about pet ownership as a security measure.|

Invest in a dog that doesn't like strangers

To buy or adopt a dog that is specifically trained or naturally inclined to bark, alert, or act aggressively toward unfamiliar people.|Focuses on using an animal's temperamnet for active protection and warning.|

Keep a light on inside the house when you go to bed

To leave one or more interior lights active at night.|Creates the illusion that someone is awake or still moving around, discouraging entry.|

The off-chance that...

The slight, remote, or unlikely possibillity that something may happen.|Used to introduce a minimal but potential risk or a precautionary measure|