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How To Protect Cars, Bicycles, Motorcycles...
HOW TO PROTECT YOUR CAR
Always lock your car doors. Be certain all windows are
completely closed. When driving, keep all doors locked. It is
best to park in attended lots. If you must leave a key with the
attendant, leave only the ignition key. In all cases lock your
car. At night, park only in well-lighted areas.
If you have a garage, the single lock on the door is inadequate
to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling
in. One of three methods may be used to secure the door: (1)
Add another bolt and padlock on the opposite side, or (2)
Install a pair of cane bolts to the inside - only operable from
the inside, or (3) Add a top center hasp. Any person of average
height can operate this locking device. The hasp must be of
hardened steel and installed with carriage bolts through the
door or gate. Use large washers on the inside. After the nuts
are secured, deface the treads of the bolt ends with a hammer to
keep the nuts from being removed.
In every case, use a minimum standard exterior padlock. Don't
hide a key outside. Most hiding places are obvious to the
burglar.
Never leave a padlock unlocked. This is an invitation to have
the padlock removed so that a key can be made, and the lock
returned to its position. Later, the burglar returns when no
one is home and enters at his leisure, using "his" key.
HOW TO PROTECT BICYCLES
You don't leave your car unlocked, so treat your bicycle the
same way. Use an approved chain and padlock whenever you are not
on the seat! Lock it to the garage - with a 3/8" x 6" eye screw
fastened to a stud. The eye screw should be at least 3 feet
above the floor, because this makes using a pry bar much more
difficult.
Whenever you lock your bike in a public place, chain it to a
secure rack or stanchion through the frame and a wheel. Keep
the chain as high above the ground as the bike will allow. This
reduces the leverage for a pry bar or bolt cutter attack.
MINIMUM STANDARD FOR APPROVED CHAIN
Must be at least 5/16" hardened steel alloy. Links must be of
continuous welded construction. Lighter chain, or chain with
open links simply will not withstand bolt cutting attacks.
Don't GIVE your bicycle away! Using anything less will invite
its theft.
HOW TO PROTECT MOTORCYCLES
These expensive bikes require additional security measures.
They must be secured with a mated 3/8" hardened steel alloy
chain and a padlock of equal strength. Sheathed cable has not
proven to be a satisfactory deterrent to theft.
LIGHTING
Good exterior lighting is important, particularly when the yard
area is obscured by high, non-removable shrubbery. The best
possible location for outside lights is under the eaves. This
makes ground-level assault more difficult. You may buy an
inexpensive timer or photo-electric cell which will
automatically turn the lights on at dusk and turn them off at
dawn.
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