Remember?
Do you remember when you were a child and your parents taught you how to stop, look and listen before you crossed the street? That advice served you well; you are still here to read this, after all! Sadly, every year hundreds of children and adults alike are injured or killed simply because they were NOT taking that advice. We have SO much on our minds that it’s easy to get distracted by a noise, ring tone or a nearby friend, and meet with disaster because of our inattention.
Part of being more aware is more than just knowing how to cross a street; it’s also being alert to unusual people at or near your home, workplace or car. You see it all the time; shoppers leaving their carts (including small children and purses!) to get a can of green beans down the aisle. It only takes a moment to grab a child, or your wallet, keys or credit cards and all because of a tiny moment of distraction on your part.
At home, be aware of unusual cars parked on your street or people that don’t seem to belong there, or who are exhibiting unusual behavior. The same goes for unattended packages, boxes and backpacks. Don’t open them out of curiosity; it may be the last thing you do!
Here in Bolingbrook, IL we live in a relatively safe community, but that doesn’t guarantee that crime cannot happen to you; don’t be paranoid, but DO be alert and prepared by knowing what to do if something does happen. Crime can happen in ALL neighborhoods, not just in the “inner city” ones. You’ve heard the term “follow the money?” The crooks do! Sure, nicer neighborhoods may have gated entrances or even roving security patrols. To some crooks, it’s worth the extra risk to go and target better neighborhoods.
Take action!
So far we have just touched on common sense things like being more aware and noticing your surroundings. Now, it’s time to actually do something to make your security better no matter where in town you are.
Start by rekeying your home locks. Rekeying means that you retain your locks; you don’t change them at all; just the insides! Call a trusted Bolingbrook, IL locksmith to alter the interior pins to your front door lock. Have him remove the master pins if any are found inside, and rekey the lock so that only new keys can be used.
Doing this will give you better key control as you now have the ONLY keys to your property that work! That means no realtors, property managers, builders, friends, neighbors, babysitters, dog walkers, contractors, etc. have a copy of your key. Now that you’ve rekeyed your lock; make a spare copy for safekeeping. DO NOT put it in the flower pot by the front door or under the mat! Sure, it’s easy for you to find, but it’s also the first place a burglar will check.
Hide you key under the passenger’s side floor mat in the car or in the BBQ out in the backyard or somewhere NOT obvious. Next, enter the phone number to Fast & Secure Locksmith or another trusted, full service local shop into your smart phone and those of your loved ones. During a locksmith emergency you don’t want to be looking for a phone book or trying to do an online search just to call an unfamiliar technician that you’ve never heard of.
