Smart Shopping: Stay Safe

WSVN -- Sometimes locking doors, closing windows and leaving a light on is not enough to stay safe.

Darice Lang: "My husband and my dog were away for about 45 minutes, a few months ago, and that was just enough time for us to be burglarized."

Darice Lang says the thieves took everything, from jewelry to sentimental keepsakes.

Darice Lang: "You feel like, how could someone come in your home and take the things that you have worked so hard for."

So now, she is doing all she can to protect her home. Authorities say break-ins are on the rise.

Officer Michael Mundy: "Our calls for burglaries have increased. Most often, the call that we receive is from a neighbor."

Officer Michael Mundy, from the North Miami Beach Police Department, says you don't have to spend big bucks to protect your home. Start with simple things like turning on the lights.

Officer Michael Mundy: "You can light your house up because most criminals want to conceal themselves in the darkness."

Next, invest in bushes with thorns.

Michael Mundy: "Put some landscaping in front of the windows, such as a cactus or even a rose bush, and that way you can harden the target."

Another money-saving tip: Buy good locks. They can get expensive, but it's worth the cost if it keeps thieves out.

Reed Cowan: "Now, police tell us an alarm system probably offers the best protection, but be sure to shop around for the best price and ask what it will cost per month. Also, decide up front what kind of services your house will need."

Andy Vidales, ADT Security Services: "Our ADT representative will go out to the home, do a free security review."

An alarm will alert authorities if a break-in occurs in your home.

Andy Vidales: "Our central station will respond accordingly and either dispatch a police department, a fire department or contact the home owner."

From window contacts to motion sensors to cameras, there are products to meet all your safety needs, and keep in mind by having a security system, you can save extra bucks on your insurance.

Andy Vidales: "We have the ability with the ADT Home Security System for homeowners to receive up to a 20 percent discount on their insurance."

And that can help offset the cost of having the alarm.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

ADT Security Services
2801 Gateway Drive
Pompano Beach, FL 33069
http://www.adt.com/