1. Engrave your possessions with your Florida driver's license number and make a written inventory. Take photographs of jewelry, silver, antiques, art, and any additional items you do not engrave. Keep a copy of your inventory and photographs in a deposit box or somewhere away from your home. Update your inventory regularly.

2. Report suspicious vehicles to the police department by calling 954-431-2200. Watch out for all vehicles, not just vans and trucks. Passenger cars, expensive and inexpensive, also are used by thieves. Keep a pencil and paper in your car. If you see a suspicious car in your neighborhood, take down the license number and write down a general description of the vehicle and its occupants. Mark the location, time and date for general reference should this information be needed again. Teach your children to be alert for suspicious vehicles while they are out and around the neighborhood. Become familiar with your neighbor’s cars. Any car that does not belong in your neighborhood should be considered a possible suspect. Patrol the area whenever you leave and return home. Remember, it is the police department's job to investigate; yours is only to report.

3. Tell your Block Captain when you are having work done and when you are going to be away from home, even for a short trip, so they can keep an eye on your home while you are away. Call the police and sign up for Vacation Watch, a free service to residents.

4. Do not give out any information about your home or family over the phone. Do not tell strangers when you will be away. Be suspicious of anyone you do not know. Do not display your name on a mailbox or plaque. Burglars can phone ahead to make sure your house is empty by simply looking up your name in the phone book. However, do put large house numbers on the mailbox. This helps in locating your home in an emergency situation.

5. Do not advertise that you live alone. Single women should list their names in the phone directory with only the first and middle initial.

6. Never open your door to strangers. Install a peephole so you can properly identify visitors before opening your door. Do not be afraid to demand proper identification. Put a peephole in your door for your small children.

7. Do not put a name tag on your house keys. Do not give keys to repairmen. Separate auto keys and house keys to avoid duplications. Never leave a key under a doormat, in the mailbox, or above the door. Burglars know all the "secret hiding places."

8. Install double cylinder deadbolt locks on all exterior doors six inches above or below the present locks. If you use the deadbolt lock when you are home, leave the key in the lock to prevent your house from becoming a firetrap. Sliding glass doors should be secured with a pin-type locking device or "charlie bar." Window gates and special window locks that can be opened only with a key are effective; however, if you do install these locks, leave the key in them when you are home. Do not let your house become a firetrap while trying to protect it from burglars.

9. Keep garage doors closed and locked. An empty garage is a reasonably good sign the homeowner is away. Lock up any tools that may be used for prying or breaking.

10. While away, make your home look and sound occupied. To create the appearance that someone is home, use a timer to turn lights on and off at normal times. A radio playing adds to the illusion that the home is occupied. Your home's exterior should be well lit. Do not leave blind spots where burglars can hide. Do not obscure windows with landscaping.

11. Get a dog. A barking dog is one of the most effective burglar alarms. Burglars would rather not hassle with an angry dog.

12. Crime Watch is a family program. Young people can be very helpful in making it work effectively. Involve them in all phases of your program. Encourage them to take part in crime prevention activities like those sponsored by 4-H, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, DECA., or other youth groups.