For Safety 

You should take steps to secure your home's entry points, improve visibility, and work with neighbors to report suspicious activity. Be especially vigilant during winters, as snow-covered driveways can signal a vacant house. Home security o Lock all windows and doors. This is the simplest and most effective deterrent. Many break-ins happen through unlocked entry points. o Reinforce entry points. For sliding doors, place a strong dowel or broomstick in the track to prevent it from being pried open. Install sturdy deadbolts on all exterior doors. o Improve lighting. Burglars prefer to operate under the cover of darkness. Install motion-activated lights or leave porch lights on to illuminate all entrances. 

o Secure your garage. Keep your garage door closed and locked. Never leave your automatic garage door opener in plain view inside your car. o Trim landscaping. Overgrown bushes and trees can provide hiding spots for intruders. Trim shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate this cover. 

o Use timers. When away from home, use timers on interior lights and radios to create the illusion that the house is occupied. You can also use a smart home system to remotely control lights. o Hide valuables. Keep electronics, jewelry, and other valuables out of sight from windows. Don't leave valuables in your parked car. o Get a security system. A home security system, even a visible sign for one, can be a major deterrent. Ensure you always arm your system. Neighborhood awareness 

o Get to know your neighbors. Strong neighborly bonds are one of the best deterrents to crime. Look out for each other's properties and get a phone number for direct contact. o Report anything suspicious. If you see unfamiliar individuals or cars loitering, or anything that seems out of place, call the police. You are the "eyes and ears" of the neighborhood. When you are away 

o Keep a "lived-in" look. If you are going away, have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail and newspapers. In winter, ask them to occasionally shovel your walkway and driveway to prevent it from looking vacant. 

o Secure deliveries. Schedule a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries, or ask a neighbor to retrieve them for you. Don't announce vacation plans on social media. 

o Avoid spare key hazards. Do not hide a spare key under a doormat or in a planter. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor instead. Winter safety. Be aware that an unshoveled driveway in the winter is a clear sign that a house is empty. Arrange for snow removal or have a neighbor create tracks. Garage doors. Michigan's harsh weather can lead to detached homes where many residents enter through the garage. Remember to lock the door from the garage to your house, even when you are home. Attend community policing events. Check your local city or township website for community programs offered by the police. These often include educational sessions on preventing theft and burglary.