Did you know that you can directly impact your own safety and the security of your property?

It’s true! According to the crime model published by the Department of Justice’s Center for Problem Oriented Policing, the three factors needed for a crime to take place are: an offender, a location or place, and a victim or target. If you eliminate one of the elements out of the equation, the crime should not occur. Since it is most difficult to remove the offender, your main focus should be on “hardening” the potential location or place and protecting yourself and your family.

Most violent crimes occur through opportunity, rather than careful planning. There are many ways to make yourself a less desirable target: