Security 101 From A San Francisco Policeman

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My godfather and retired San Francisco police officer Jim Kelly is here to give us some of his simple and productive tips on security! Let's hear em Jim:

1) Trim shrubs and bushes in your yard to prevent them from being used as hiding places by criminals. This is especially true around doors, windows, and walkways along the path you take from your car to the house.

2) If you have a particularly vulnerable ground floor window, (such as a child's room) plant holly bush next to it. The sharp thorns make it especially difficult for anyone to get near the window. ( Don't worry about it being a deterrent to emergency responders. Fire personal show up in packs of eight with axes and chain saws. Cops show up one at a time, but they are a lot tougher!)

3) Light up the exterior of your home. (Lighting is one of the best crime deterrents for night time crime.) Many of the new LED lights are efficient, economic, and effective.

4) Be sure your house number is clearly visible to responding emergency personnel. Seconds count in an emergency. The numbers should be on a contrasting background. It is especially helpful when they are back lit at night.

5) If you go away for any length of time, be sure the yard is clipped, newspapers and mail picked up or cancelled.