Most of us work out of our homes at some point, or keep a home office. As part of Safety Week, I thought I’d share this article about where potential break-ins happen and inexpensive ways to deter them. Other simple tips are:

• Make sure doors and windows are locked when you leave, even if you’re just going to the store.
• Keep blinds closed when you are gone. Thieves are less likely to break-in if they can’t see what you’ve got.
• Make sure you have secured valuables and important documents. If you decide to use a lock box or locking filing cabinet, make sure it is bolted down. Thieves will take a lock box hoping to find valuables inside it and smash it open later. If they can’t pry it off the floor, they are more apt to leave it.
• Install timers for interior and exterior lights. You may not be home but it might look like you are.
• If you are going out of town, make sure you have a friend or house sitter drop by regularly to collect your mail. 

I’ve joked that I am a cautionary tale for all my friends (both IRL and on the internet) to start thinking about your own personal security, back-up systems and fortification. Learn from me and don’t learn safety by accident.

(via This Old House)