Don't Be a Victim: Anti-Theft

WSVN -- Have you ever looked at your home from a thief's perspective?

They want an easy way in and an easier way out. That's why it's imperative that you make your home burglary proof. Let's start on the outside.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "Is there a cement wall that may look good to you, appeasing as far as design but isn't necessarily safe?"

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police says thieves are looking for a place to hide, so you should look to eliminate the hiding spots.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "If you have that cement wall up, or you have landscaping or bushes that are up, you need to have a clear view from inside your home."

And that should be a clear view day or night, which means get some good outdoor lights.

Moving indoors: alarms are a great deterrent, but the thieves know how they work.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "What we are finding now, these guys are going around, and they're simply cutting the wires."

The bad guys also know the alarm company is going to call your house before they call police.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "They know they have a window of four to five minutes by the time the alarm company notifies you and law enforcement is notified."

So Officer Jackson says change your contract, so you get the first call.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "Pay the little amount, have it set up for them to call you directly to a cell phone."

Also, don't forget to put up the alarm signs, even bad dog stickers. Believe it or not, they do work.

Officer Frank Jackson of the Coral Gables Police: "These are simple little things, but they are things that criminals look at. They want the quickest, easiest route in and the quickest, easiest route out."

But, believe it or not, some times your best protection against burglaries is right next door.

Margaret Tuynan, president of Belle Meades Neighborhood Association: "You know you have to be alert, but you take care of your neighbor, your neighbor will take care of you."

President of Belle Meades Neighborhood Association Margaret Tuynan says she always keeps an eye out, and if something or someone looks like they don't belong, react.

Margaret Tuynan, president of Belle Meades Neighborhood Association: "The most important thing is that when you see something, regardless of whether you think it is not important, call it in."

Tom Haynes: "And police agree. Officer Jackson says they would rather be called out to check out something suspicious, than have to respond after a break-in has already occurred."