Protect the alley side of homes with chain-link fence. In really high-risk areas, barbed wire across the top of the fence does an even better job of securing your property.

By planting hedges of thorny plants, such as holly or roses, near windows, may discourage unwanted entry by making it more difficult to enter through a window.

Make sure that your bushes are trimmed. Bushes give burglars a great place to hide. It also blocks the view of your doors and windows from your neighbors and inhibits them from seeing any unusual activity.

By lighting the outside of your home at night, including all walkways, paths, makes the task of a burglar more dificult since they are easierly seen.

Post your hose nubmer clearly on your front door. Keep an outside light on so that the nubmer is visible from the street to help police find your home if they need to respond to an emergency call.

Leave your porch light on when you're home as well as when you go out for the evening. Otherwise you set up a pattern that clearly tells a burglar whether you're home.

Don't advertise your single status on your mailbox. Don't use your first name or Ms. or Miss.

Cut back lower tree limbs that are close to upper windows, porches, or roofs leading to upper windows.

Remove any trelises that someone could clamber up to enter your home from the second story.

Keep ladders secured and out of sight. Don't leave ladders up if you're doing yard work and need to run to the hardware store.