Make your home look occupied and make it difficult to break in.
Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
Keep our garage door closed and locked
Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended period of time.
Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all of your outside doors.
Additional Tips
Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places, burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.
Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately.
Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions including serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home. This is a good precaution in case of fire or other disasters.
Mark your valuables with your driver's license number.
Join your neighborhood watch group. The Lake Villa Police Department can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce the risk of burglary.