Bushikai Martial Arts Encourages all Families to Burglar Proof their Homes this Summer

Frederick, MD, June 09, 2006 --(PR.com)-- Harry Mackenzie, head instructor of Bushikai Martial Arts, in Frederick, Maryland encourages all families to use these simple tips to improve home security while on vacation this summer.

“These are rather simple techniques and actions that take little of your time, but can help prevent a break-in,” Mackenzie said. “Self-defense is about preparation and thinking ahead. It’s an important lesson we teach all our students and share with their families.”

• Ask neighbors friends or family to check on your home while you’re away.

• Stop your mail and newspapers. If you forget, then ask a neighbor to collect your mail and newspapers. Newspapers piled in the driveway and overflowing mailboxes are invitations to burglars. This will also help to prevent identity theft, since your neighbor will remove any bank and credit card statements, which may be delivered to your mailbox.

• Ask a neighbor to put a filled garbage can in front of your house on collection day.

• Make arrangements for your lawn to be mowed.
Schedule a teenager with a lawnmower or a lawn service to cut your lawn while your gone; or simply ask a friendly neighbor to mow your lawn and give your house a “somebody’s home” look. Remember to prune trees or shrubs, which may offer cover for burglars to break into your home.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to accept all deliveries, such as packages, etc. Make sure all scheduled deliveries arrive before you leave. If not, then ask a neighbor or family member to remove any packages, shipments, boxes, etc. that may alert burglars of your absence.

• Set automatic timers on lights, televisions and radios. Not only set automatic timers for lights, televisions and radios, but also set them at different times, so your house appears to look and sound occupied. Be sure exterior lights have timers and motion sensors. Burglars hate this kind of lighting because it reveals their movements outside a house. Place shades and blinds in their normal positions, but adjust them, so no one is able to view the interior and conclude no one is home.

• Do not leave any tell tale signs that you are away on vacation. Notes left on mailboxes or doors for delivery are bad ideas. Restrict the list of those who know you are on vacation.

• Ensure that your home has that “lived-in” look.

According to the home security experts, the master bedroom is the first place burglars search, so remove any valuables, such as jewelry from your home before you leave. Place your valuables in a safety deposit box or ask someone you trust to hold them while you’re away. Notify local police of your departure and return schedule. Give a neighbor or family member your house key and ask him or her to check inside your house every two or three days. That person should also have your itinerary and information to contact you in case of an emergency.

Mackenzie added, “The goal is to use deceptive methods to convince anyone outside your home that you are there, even though you are actually on vacation. Burglars look for easy targets, so use these tips to deter burglars from breaking into your home this summer. You’ll enjoy your vacation much more because you’ve taken positive action to increase your peace of mind.”

Bushikai Martial Arts has been serving the greater Frederick community since 1989, and promotes and strives for the highest standards of age-appropriate curriculum, leadership training, child safety and security, business integrity and professional ethics.

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