Some simple tips to keep your home and possessions safe:

Keep track of your keys. Do not leave a key under a doormat, flower pot or on a window ledge. Burglars look there first. Never leave an ignition key in your car, and never put a house key on your ignition key ring. If you live in an apartment or condo, and your building superintendent has a key, make sure it is kept locked up.

Keep garage doors closed and locked. Even when you are home, a locked garage door helps protect valuable property stored in your garage. Many times objects are spotted in the day when the garage door is open and stolen at night. Curtains or blinds on garage windows also help protect against people seeing valuables inside whether or not you are home. Closed and locked garage doors also prevent access to interior doors that lead to the house. If you are going to be gone for any length of time, consider disconnecting electric door openers or putting a padlock on the garage door track.

Park a car in your drive. If you have a second car, leave it in the driveway; if you do not, ask a neighbor to park there. This not only gives the appearance of an occupied house, but it can prevent burglars from backing up and loading a van. However, to help avoid vandalism to the vehicle and it appearing as if no one is home, be sure the car is moved periodically.

Be aware of "BEWARE" signs. If you have an alarm system, signs that say so may deter thieves. However, you should not use "Beware of Dog" signs. You may be admitting that you are liable if you dog bites someone, even if that someone is a burglar.

Do not let deliveries accumulate. Have a neighbor pick up mail, newspapers, packages and circulars daily. If that is not possible, then have deliveries stopped so they do not pile up.

Consider buying a burglar alarm system. They vary in sophistication from a simple door alarm that makes noise, scares thieves and alerts neighbors, to a silent alarm system linked to a law enforcement agency. An alarm may provide additional peace of mind. Check with security companies for a system that fits your needs.

Have your lawn and walks taken care of. Dry, uncut grass says you are away. Have show shoveled from walks, steps and drive.

Have a neighbor use your garbage cans. Empty garbage cans can be a sign that you are away.

Put peepholes in doors. Install the type with a magnifying glass lens so you can see who is outside without opening the door. And remember, never leave a note on your door.

Depend on the police. If you will be gone for an extended time, ask the police to check your home periodically. Also, talk to them about neighborhood watch programs. And be sure to call them immediately if you see unfamiliar or suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

Do not keep valuable jewelry at home. Keep it, along with other small valuables and important documents, in a safe deposit box. If you choose not to use a safe deposit box, place items of high risk in areas of low risk, such as an unusual hiding place. But be sure to remember where you have put your valuables.

Consult a good locksmith. Different kinds of doors and windows require different kinds of locks. Single-cylinder deadbolt locks are recommended, and be sure to have locks changed when you move into a new place.

Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for burglars and let them work undetected.

Leave a radio on; it says someone is home. If you will be gone for an extended period, you may want to connect a radio, or even a TV, to a timer so it comes on at different times.

Secure patio doors. A pin-type lock or a key lock works best, or a steel rod can be inserted in the door channel. Additionally, put two or three screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of lifting the door out of the track.

Get automatic timers. They help by turning lights on and off in different rooms at designated times. If you do not have automatic timers, leave lights on in one or two interior rooms, They can make burglars think someone is inside.

Light the outside of your house, especially near doors and in the rear of the house where thieves do most of their work. But make sure that the lights shine on the house and do not blind neighbors who are keeping an eye on your house.

Adjust the volume of your telephone ringer. By turning it to the lowest level, of even off, a prowler will be less likely to hear an unanswered call. If you have an answering machine, be sure the message does not let anyone know you are not at home.

Leave drapes and shades open. Make your home look as it usually does when you are there. Ask a neighbor to open and close drapes and blinds as you do.

Mark valuable items with an engraving pen. Marking target items thieves are more prone to steal, such as stereos and TVs, will help police trace them and return them if they are recovered. Engraving pens are usually available at the police station. Your police department can tell you what numbers to use, such as your drivers license number, with a state abbreviation.