Following basic prevention tips can help protect you against any type of theft.
Unfortunately, despite popular depictions, the average thief does not roam the streets dressed in black and white, sporting an eye mask and swinging a swag bag. Thieves come in all different shapes and sizes and the types of theft they commit are just as diverse. While it may be hard to spot a thief, it is not difficult to prevent theft, according to a January 2010 Salisbury Police Department newsletter. By following a few simple crime prevention techniques, you can help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of theft. (Reference 1)
Instructions
1. Add extra security measures to your automobile. Anti-theft devices such as a steering-wheel lock and fuel ignition cut-off will not only deter an automobile thief, they can physically prevent the thief from driving away in your vehicle. Never leave your keys in your vehicle when the engine is running, not even for a minute or two.
2. Take extra care when walking by yourself, stick to well-lit areas and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Any cash you do carry should be kept as close to your body as possible. Women should avoid carrying a purse that swings on their shoulder, warns the NYPD website, as it is easily yanked from you by an opportunist thief. (See Reference 2)
3. Arrange for a friend or family member to collect your mail if you plan to be away from your home for longer than 24 hours. Mail piling up in a mailbox is an advertisement to thieves that no one is home, increasing your chances of falling victim to burglary. Invest in a home safe and place cash, valuables and important documents, such as birth certificates, deeds and passports, inside. Avoid using obvious hiding places around your home such as the cookie jar or under your mattress, these are often the first places a thief will look.
4. Identify potential weak areas in and around your property which may enable a thief to break in. Place motion-sensor lights above entry points to your property and install a home alarm system. One of the most reliable home security methods, the lock, has been in existence since around 2000 BC, says the Baltimore County Maryland Police Department (BCMPD). Add locks to all windows and doors and double-check that everything is secure each time you leave your home. (See Reference 3)
5. Mark expensive items, such as bicycles and electronic equipment, with your driver's license number or other identifying mark, recommends the BCMPD website. You can do this using a permanent marker or special engraver. If you are a victim of theft and police recover your stolen items the ID marks will help verify you as the owner. Thieves are also less likely to steal items that have any identifying marks on them, as they are harder to pawn or resell. (See Reference 3)
6. Discard paperwork that has your name and personal details on with care. Identity theft, when a person uses your personal information to gain services, loans and credit, is an increasingly popular type of theft. It can leave a person's credit and financial reputation in tatters, as well as leaving the average victim $8,000 out of pocket. Identity thieves garner your information in a variety of ways, including digging through your trash, stealing mail and obtaining it from you under false pretenses. Invest in a crosscut shredder, to shred all your old mail, bank and credit card statements, recommends a Northwestern University Police Department website. (See Reference 4)
Tips Warnings
Identity thieves operate online too, often sending out fake email pretending to be from a bank. Always remember your bank or any other reputable financial institution will never request sensitive information in an email. If you are ever unsure, call the appropriate customer services and speak to someone in person.
Never give anyone your personal details, such as social security number and driving licence number, unless you are absolutely certain of the person's identity and his reasons for needing the information.
