When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks. A lock on a flimsy door is about as effective as locking your car door, but leaving the window down. All outside doors should be metal or solid wood. If your doors don t fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them. Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
Door chains break easily and don t keep out intruders.
Check The Outside Look at your house from the outside. Install outside lights and keep them on at night. Keep your yard clean. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window. Clearly display you house number so police and other emergency personnel can find your home quickly.