Approximately every 15 seconds, a house is robbed somewhere in America. A few simple precautions can make your home a less-inviting target and can convince burglars to try their luck elsewhere.

• Install deadbolt locks on all outside doors, and make sure that all windows (not just those on the ground floor) have good, strong locks;

• Keep your property well lit and consider installing outdoor lights hooked to motion sensors-thieves hate it when they can’t hide;

• Keep trees and shrubbery cut back from windows so thieves do not have a place to hide;

• If you are leaving town for several days, suspend mail and newspaper delivery, and ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home;

• If you are not at home, keep a light on so the house looks occupied;

• Consider an alarm system monitored by a reputable security company;

• Keep a car parked in your driveway. Like lights, it makes the house look occupied and stops burglars from backing up a van and cleaning you out.

Finally, remember that even the best precautions do not work if you don’t use them! So give your home a security checkup, keep those doors and windows locked, and beat burglars at their own game.