If a burglar figures you’re away (from telltale signs you have left behind), you may not come back to what you left behind. If the bad guy sees a dark exterior, shades drawn, or newspapers on the driveway, or a package at the front door, or hears a telephone ringing and ringing, he will know it’s safe to enter.

The holidays are big times for theft, since so many people leave Rancho Bernardo for the Holidays. Taking a few precautions could well be worth your time. Studies show that burglars won’t work longer than 60 seconds to get into a home. If you can make it just that much more difficult for thieves to get in, you may have prevented your own burglary. It’s amazing, but true, that 45 percent of burglars gain entry without even using force—by slipping in an open window or simply walking through an unlocked door. Now that is easy for you to fix. Just remember to do it. Also remember, the RSVP will check your house and grounds six days a week.

So always lock all doors and windows, as well as the garage door. Slide the bolt inside the garage or padlock the outside. You don’t have a lock? Get one.

Cancel the newspaper, hold the mail and other deliveries, turn the telephone volume down or off, set some interior lights on a timer, and leave drapes or blinds open or, at least, slightly open. Have a neighbor pick up flyers and other newspapers for you.

It’s important to leave your outside lights ON ALL NIGHT. Photocell lights are best - easy to install - and go on and off with dawn and dusk. Even if you have to leave your lights on all day and night long, it’s better that way. Burglars love the dark - remember that they are experts at using flashlights.

Never "hide" a key; the bad guys know all the places. It’s best to leave a key with a neighbor or a local friend or relative. And, of course, you’ve already registered with the RSVP to check on your home six days a week, haven’t you? If not, get down to the Storefront, which is on the 2^nd floor of the library, right away. Now you can have a great time without any worries.