Avoid stashing a spare key under the flower pot right next to the door--it's an easy guess for a burglar. Instead, buy a combination lock-box and lock it to a bench or fence

2torial #0605: Learn2 Avoid Home Burglary (Continued) Protect your valuables Don't leave your valuables (stereo, computer, jewelry, etc.) where they can be seen from the window. If you don't want to hide everything from sight, consider draperies and blinds. Make a valuables inventory. Keep a record of your expensive and personally significant items--not just a listing, but a photographic or videotape record if possible. Store this inventory at another location. This is helpful for both the police and the insurance agency (if you have a homeowner's policy), to identify the stolen goods. Use an engraving pen to mark these items with some kind of personal identifying information, such as your initials, in an inconspicuous place. This also helps record your possessions in case of any other mishap, such as fire or flood. Note: We originally recommended that you mark your valuables with your Social Security number. However, several readers pointed out that this is an unsafe practice--your Social Security number can be far more valuable than any individual object, and a thief may use it to impersonate you for the purpose of getting credit cards, loans, etc. Trying to undo the resulting damage can be a long and difficult process. Consequently, you should keep your Social Security number safely stored away. Some states issue driver's license numbers that are different than your Social Security number; this may be a good substitute. Step 5