Sound the alarm on summer burglars

Summer months are a prime time to consider the potential returns of a modest investment in home protection, according to Intermatic Inc., Spring Grove, Ill. It's no surprise that burglars have more opportunities to strike during summer when people spend more time outdoors and away from home, but what many homeowners fail to realize is how easily and inexpensively they can discourage would-be burglars.

"Do-it-yourself products are effective and inexpensive," says Intermatic spokesman Art Noparstak. "A quality home protection system can be implemented for as little as $50, and can save you thousands."

Homeowners can survey their own home to determine the security level inside and out. Intruders will be looking for spots hidden from view to break into a home. Illuminate these areas with photo control lights--which turn on at dusk and off at dawn. The same goes for the interior of a house. Timers can be connected to lights in different rooms of a residence, clicking them on and off randomly to create the appearance that someone is home. Nightlights can be placed around a home, providing not only comfort to family members when getting up in the middle of the night, but also deterring intruders.

A quiet house is a thief's first stop. Install motion sensor alarms at entry points, such as doors and windows. When motion is detected, the product triggers a piercing siren.

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COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group