• If you are out in public and think you are being followed, don’t run home. Go into a public place such as a store or restaurant and call the police. Do not let a potential assailant know where you live.
• If you must go out early in the morning or late at night to walk or jog, take someone with you and stay along populated and well-lit pathways. Arm your security system before you leave.
• Do not flash money, credit cards or any expensive electronics or jewelry in public, even if you are at a private party. Be discreet – you never know who is watching you.
• If you must withdraw cash from an ATM, keep your car parked nearby with the doors locked. Return to your car immediately after getting the cash and lock the door when you get in. Don’t open the windows until you are safely out of the parking lot.
• Do not ever allow a stranger to get inside your car with you. If they force their way into your car, get out immediately and leave the area to call the police. Endangering your life to save your vehicle is not worth the risk.
• Keep your car locked at all times, even at home in your driveway. When you are in public, park in well-lighted areas close to people and activities with good visibility. Have you car keys out in advance when returning to the car.
• Upon returning home, have your house keys out as you approach your door. Do not worry about triggering your home security system if you must enter quickly because you suspect you are being followed. This is not a false alarm. Call the police.
• If you are attacked, hand over your valuables no matter how frightened or angry you are. Nothing you own is worth risking your life. Note the details of your assailant so you can give the police an accurate description.

In current times acts of vandalism describe any sort of criminally inflicted damages, defacement of respected property such as through graffiti and the erection of strongly distasteful eyesores. There is an element of contempt on the part of the perpetrators for society and members of such. Home security systems have been developed in the effort to support the authorities in thwarting the angry efforts of vandals to wreak havoc and destruction. Although certain sectors of the population view acts of vandalism as artistic expressions it is hurtful to others when done illegally and without permission.

Vandals can be motivated by any number of reasons:

• Anger or disgruntlement with a targeted victim
• General anger with their culture
• Jealousy or desire to retaliate
• Revenge
• Spontaneous acts of rage
• Peer acceptance as is common in gang cultures

If a vandal trespasses on your property or forces entry into your home you may discover nothing has been stolen but that your property has been severely damaged or destroyed. You could return home or wake up to find your walls and works of art have been spray painted, your furniture has been slashed with a knife, rooms have been flooded, appliances have been smashed, your home has been set on fire and so on.

There is no real way to know if a vandal or gang of vandals will decide they want to target your home, so the best thing you can do to protect your home and property is to be proactive about it. A home security system is the ultimate method to discourage unwanted intruders like this, since they have no desire to get caught in the act.