To continue our Neighborhood Watch observations from last week’s column, here are some important reminders. These are warnings that we have been advocating for the past 5 years:

A few safety tips for everyone at all times:

1. Never mail anything from the mailbox in front of your house, especially with the red "come and get me" flag up. If you mail from the corner mailbox, do it in the morning so your mail is picked up that same day.

2. Make your checks out in ink and fill in all the blanks. Also, it may be that the ink from old-style Flair medium-point felt-tip pens is harder to "wash" than ballpoint because it runs when the chemical is applied.

3. Canceled checks can also be "washed", so maybe you should take advantage of the check-storage service many banks offer free.

4. Check your bank balance at least once a week, easily available via ATMs, phone-in banking, or Internet banking. If someone is abusing your account, it can take a couple of extra days for the bank to notify you.

5. Make sure your bank will call you and/or set an upper limit on overdrafts .Call your bank to set this up.

6. Never print your driver's license or social security number on your checks. It is prime information for identity thieves, who could use it to open instant credit accounts in your name.

7. If you are going away, even for the weekend, stop your mail and newspaper a day earlier than you need to. If they forget, you can call again. Have a neighbor check your mailbox and front walkway for deliveries that you weren't expecting, or flyers that people leave at your door.

8. Lock your car when it's sitting in your driveway, especially if you have your garage door opener inside.