The most important rule is not to help the burglar. Make their job as hard as you possibly can.

Make it a habit to lock your Home and Car every time you exit. No matter how long you will be away, lock and secure every access point.

Do not leave objects outside your Home that can be used to break in. No loose rocks, no ladders, no tools,... You want to make it harder to access your house, not give them a hand. Keep your property clean and free of debris.

Make your house look like there is always someone home. Leave a TV on, it is better for the life of the TV to stay on rather than be turned on and off. It will give the appearance that someone is home and awake. Leave a Radio on in your Garage.

Use Timers for lights. Never leave a porch light on all day, use a light sensor type porch light. Create the appearance that someone is always around even if you go on holidays. Use timers to vary the interior lighting patterns of your residence.

Close your blinds and curtains at night. Sheer curtains do not give enough privacy.

Get a Dog.

Lock your important Papers and valuables in a Safe that is bolted down.

Cancel newspaper deliveries when you are not home to collect the paper.

Use Motion sensors and perimeter lights. Light up your home at night, don't leave dark areas. Make it hard for someone to approach your home.

Keep your shrubberies small and away from your access points. Make sure your access points can be seen from the street.

Alarm Systems are so in expensive, as low as $25.00 per month, so get one.

Always make sure your Alarm is working. A thief can disable it and come back later.

Pretend you are a thief and think of ways you would break in. Do this regularly during the day as well as night. Change anything that you see as a weak point.

Do a video tape inventory of all your belongings, inside your house and around your property. Keep it up to date and keep it in a safe place.

Always bring a Cordless or cell phone to the door with you when you have unannounced visitors. Make sure your number is not written on it. If there is any trouble, you have the phone in your hand for quick access. If a stranger wants to use the phone, you can dial the number for them and hand them the phone.

Do not hide keys. Never ever leave keys anywhere someone else can find them. Get use to putting your keys in one place, out of sight. Make sure someone outside your home can't see where you put your keys.

Always watch the neighborhood, if you see anything suspicious, report it to your neighbours. Your neighbour will be happy to hear you are watching the neighbourhood. You will find your neighbours will start to watch and report suspicious behavior as well.

Make notes when you see suspicious behavior. Note details like description, height, colour, make and model of Cars, time and date, the more facts the better.

Ask your local Police Department about starting a Neighbourhood Watch Program in your neighborhood. 

Be friendly with neighbours. A hello here and there makes it easier to approach them when you need to.

Trust your instincts. When you feel something is wrong, chances are something is. Call the police when you think you should.