Install high end deadlocks from a professional locksmith on all external doors and keyed locks on all windows; lock up when you leave, even if only for a few minutes.

INSTALL STRONG LOCKS ON DOORS AND WINDOWS - AND LOCK UP WHEN YOU LEAVE WHEN YOU'RE NOT AT HOME, MAKE IT LOOK LIKE SOMEBODY'S THERE Burglars seek out empty houses because there's less chance they'll get caught. Here's how to fool them: Leave a radio tuned to a talkback station. If you're out for the evening, leave some lights on and close the curtains. If you're going on holiday: - cancel your newspaper; - have a trusted neighbor or relative empty your letterbox and take your bin out (even if it's empty!) and in again; - hang some old clothes on the line; - leave old shoes outside the front door; - divert your home phone number to your mobile; - organize a house-sitter if you're away for an extended period of time. Burglars don't want to be caught in the act. A low fence or one which can be seen through lets your neighbors spot something that's out of place, like a stranger in your garden. (A high fence that can't be seen through seems like good protection - but once the burglar is behind that, they're hidden from view.)

Keep trees and shrubs trimmed low. Motion-activated lighting puts a spotlight on burglars. If they think they've been spotted, they'll bolt. MARK YOUR PROPERTY MAKE A LIST OF YOUR PROPERTY LOCK UP YOUR TOOLS AND YOUR SHED CONSIDER GETTING A FOUR-LEGGED "BURGLAR ALARM" Keep a list of your CDs, DVDs, videos and any other collectible items in a safe place (a list on your computer is no good if the burglars steal that too!). Take photos of expensive items, such as jeweler. Fill in a "Property Inventory Form" (available through Neighborhood Watch) to help police return your property to you. Make sure you have current and adequate insurance cover. There have been increased reports of property being stolen from gardens and sheds. Don't let a burglar steal your tools or use them to break into your own house! Always put away your tools and lock your shed. Barking dogs warn people that something's wrong, so burglars avoid homes with dogs. If you don't own a dog, a "beware of dog" sign may still deter a burglar.

Most all ft Lauderdale locksmiths will agree on the points here and you should attempt to cover as many of these points as possible.