2-5 electronic light timers, depending on the size of your home.

A padlock

A heavy door latch

Pick-proof window locks for each window that opens

A few hours inspecting (in daytime and the evening), 15 minutes per window for lock installation, and an extra minute for a quick check each time you go out.

Form a neighborhood watch. Possibly the most effective way to protect your home is to cooperate with your neighbors. Share experiences and concerns, and consider the best way of responding to a possible break-in. Some towns and cities have watch programs you can join; if there isn't one where you live, just start knocking on doors and discussing the subject. It's an excellent way to get to know your neighbors.

Look into a home security system. Some companies offer surprisingly affordable packages--the equipment and installation are free. Your cost is simply a monthly maintenance fee.

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 Keep em' out!! There's no fail-proof way to keep out a burglar, but every little bit of deterrence helps. Even if you can't afford a security system, you can take a few minutes to make your home a little safer. Some relatively simple steps will greatly decrease the odds of a break-in, which means you can enjoy a bit more peace of mind. And isn't that what "home" is all about? Think like a burglar: if you were one, how would you get in to your home? Evaluate your home from the inside and out, night and day. You might even try a "mock" break-in, trying window jambs and loose locks on your house's perimeter. Just let the neighbors know what you're up to before you go lurking in the bushes. Secure the windows Though windows are relatively easy to break, the loud noise of shattering glass will deter a thief if you're near other houses. Create a lock for wooden-frame windows. At the top edge of the bottom frame, drill two holes perpendicular to the sash or at a slight, downward angle. Drill completely through the inside sash and halfway into the outside sash. Insert nails or bolts (don't hammer or screw these) into the holes. Test this setup to make certain the bolts won't pop out when wiggled. Don't leave windows and doors open during the night whether you're home or away. That's a common-sense precaution, but a surprising number of people forget to do just that. It's a good idea to make a "pane patrol" part of your ritual of leaving the house. Use a pick-proof locking device for your windows. Make sure the frames are solid. If you're beyond the earshot of your neighbors, they won't hear the glass breaking. Consider installing a Plexiglass sheet for the more accessible windows. This will make entry through them more difficult. Basement windows are an easy target, since they're low and usually well hidden. Firmly wedge a steel bar across the window, or install a metal grate. Secure the doors If you don't have a peephole, install one in the front door. If you have one, make sure that you and your family are in the habit of using it. Don't open the door to anyone you don't know, especially at night.If the peephole is out of reach of your children, keep a stepladder or stepping box by the door for them to use. If there's any glass within two feet of your front door lock, consider a locking device that would be out of reach if that glass was broken. If your fire regulations allow, install a lock that requires a key to get in and out. Secure the sliding glass doors. Drill two holes on either end of the doorframe. Screw in two screws so that the sliding door can't be lifted off the track. In addition, wedge a piece of broom handle into the track by the floor. This also blocks the door from unwanted entry. Make sure it's firmly wedged in, however. (Optional) Play the canine card Dogs, even the small yip-yip variety, have sharp teeth and a way of noisily not welcoming stealthy intruders. But a dog is more than an organic alarm--it's a living creature, and it'll need a lifetime of love, care, attention and exercise. If you can genuinely welcome a dog into your life, it will welcome the task of protecting you. But if you're a cat person (or a guppy person) at heart, then look into electronic security systems. The recording of a bark, as sometimes suggested, may only be effective for particularly gullible burglars. Some people have a playback system that's triggered by the doorbell, but the cause-and-effect (push, bark, push, bark) is a little too easy to discern. A Beware of Dog sign is better than nothing; for an added touch of verisimilitude, get a sign that refers to a specific breed rather than the generic Dog. A "Beware of Weimarauner" sign (or a bumper sticker that says "I Love My Pit Bull") might do the trick. 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. Scope out your yard Don't stop your security awareness at the outside walls of your house. Your yard areas (if any) also deserve your attention. In general, don't leave anything around the yard that might help a burglar get into your house: ladders, stackable boxes or any garden tools should be put away, preferably in a locked cabinet. Install a light in your yard that is sensitive to movement. Place it high and out of reach. Trim hedges or bushes that are near doors or windows. These can be good hiding places. Don't place outdoor furniture tables nearby the house. These could become an easy stepladder to the roof. To discourage potential climbers, spread grease on any metal drainpipes. Use Vaseline or automotive grease, depending on the color of the pipe (or replace them with plastic pipe). On vacation? Create the occupancy illusion Maybe you laughed at your mother for leaving the lights on and the radio playing while you left for vacation, but she had the right idea. Those steps aren't quite enough, so try these strategies: Buy electronic timers that turn lights on and off at different times. Hook up a timer to your TV for a few hours each evening. Turn up the volume, too--not enough to annoy the neighbors, just enough that a lurker at the windowsill couldn't miss hearing it. Have your newspaper, deliveries and mail delivery suspended. If you don't have time to do this, ask a neighbor to pick them up for you. Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place. Think about having someone housesit your home. If it's a relative or friend, it may cost you no more than the contents of your refrigerator. You can also find professional housesitters, or housesitting services that find someone to stay while you're away. Expect to pay some money for this (you do want a professional, not just someone who wants a free place to crash), and both demand and check out references. Leave your shades as they are normally, or at least don't close up every one. One sign of a vacant house is closed shades during the day. Lock your garage door with a padlock. If there's nowhere to lock it, install a heavy latch that attaches the door to the door jamb. On the inside, insert the lock through a hole in the track. -end- Learn More!