Public Service Announcement: Protect your Home and your Identity

I know I've been really delinquent about blogging lately. I have a ton a stuff to post from our vacation at the end of June - but there are too many things in the way at the moment.

I had actually set aside some time tonight to start some blogging again, but Nikki ended up spending out night on something else.

We left to take the kids to Park and Rec soccer tonight, but as we backed out of the driveway and on to the street, we noticed a bunch of (at least 5) police squad cars in front of our neighbor's house just 3 doors down. Our neighbors were outside their house standing next to their vehicles on the street. We pulled over and asked what had happened - and they had just been burglarized. It's a huge shock for them (obviously) and for the rest of us neighbors. We live on a quiet street in one the of lowest-crime areas in the metro area, and this just didn't seem true.

It turns out the burglars came sometime between 2-4pm - in broad daylight. They didn't take laptop computers or electronics (very lucky), but instead went after jewelry and their financial records. Reportedly they succeeded at both - even getting credit cards and social security numbers.

As a result, one of our other neighbors just signed up for ADT home security tonight. We ended up doing the same this evening as well. I have to travel too much for work it seems, so this gives both Nikki and I peace of mind. We also went through the house looking for any financial documents or credit cards that were easy to get to, and also made sure to store other important documents in an OFF SITE location. I also shredded three bags full of documents and old check stubs as well.

We've talked to our neighbors tonight, and I've compiled a list of tips I've learned from them, as well as adding a few of my own.

1. Sign up for online billing statements. I'm amazed at how many documents I shredded tonight (and then burned in the fire pit.) If you opt for online statements, you get the additional benefits of decluttering, saving time, and also reducing the impact on the environment.

2. Even if you sign up for online statements, you need to make sure you store your statements online or on your computer SECURELY. That means use passwords whenever possible for both hardware and software. (this includes thumb drives and back-up hard drives). Lock down your wireless network and internet access. Encrypt your data if possible as well.

3. Back-up your data. Our neighbors were lucky that their computers weren't stolen, but imagine if you all your personal photos, files, and other important (even irreplaceable) information is gone in an instant like that along with everything else. There are seemingly countless computer back-up options available that are easy to use. Use them...regularly.

4. Shred your documents as you receive a piece of mail. Consider whether you really need to keep a document for more than a few days. Shred junk mail/solicitations as much as possible- this includes credit card offers and other solicitations as well.

5. Our next door neighbor is a police officer, and he said you should try to answer the door every time a salesperson comes to your door. This may seem counter-intuitive (for personal safety reasons) - so let me explain. There are crime groups that go door-to-door selling magazine subscriptions, tree services, and countless other things. Do NOT ignore them. They HOPE you don't answer the door, since this gives them an opportunity to case your property for either an immediate or future burglary. If you answer the door, decline whatever they are selling, and then keep an eye on them as they continue through the neighborhood or any suspicious activities.

6. Crooks know where to look for your personal documents, jewelry, and other valuables. Your desk drawers, bedside tables, and dressers (underwear or sock drawers) are typically the first places crooks will look. This also goes for credit cards, blank checks, and tax documents.

7. Use a home security system. We purchased a state of the art security system that included door sensors, glass breakage sensors, and motion sensors. All entry and exit points are covered. In addition, we opted for the system that uses a cell phone technology to dispatch the authorities instead of using land-line telephone service. This is important since criminals would only need to cut your phone lines in order to bypass the alarm system and prohibit alarms from being sent to the security company. This isn't the case using cellular technology. It works all the time, even when power lines are cut. These systems aren't as expensive as you might think, and your homeowner's insurance may give you rate discounts for using these security services as well.

8. Talk to your neighbors. This event is really bringing us together. Watch for suspicious activity in your neighborhood. Don't do it just once, do it regularly.