Check references of meter readers, service men, and anyone working in your home. Know the name and address of anyone who must have access to your home when you are not present.

Store valuables (coins, jewelry, furs, etc) in a vault or safety deposit box. Keep serial numbers of valuable equipment; take photographs or paintings and other articles.

Don't rely on dogs to guard your home.

Be alert to attempted fraud and inform police if you are approached in any of the following ways:

• The "pigeon drop." Where two people, sometimes three, ask you to keep a package of money or other valuable items for a period of time. They ask you to show good faith by giving them some of your money. After they leave, you will discover the package contains only newspaper.
  
• The bank examiner. Where you receive a phone call form someone purporting to be a bank representative and are asked to withdraw money as a ruse to trap a dishonest employee. When you comply, your money disappears.
  
• The charity racket. Where a solicitor for charity, with no literature to give you, asks for a donation immediately or for a check to be mailed to him as soon as possible.