Use your double-lock feature if you have one. Pin the door to ensure it cannot be lifted or slid open.

Place a broom handle in the tracks of your sliders.

Inspect the lock on the sliders provided by the builder; they may be weak.

Adjust the rollers on the door for less play.

Side Doors:

Lock your doors at all times.

Use a pick plate and make sure the dead bolt fits deep into the frame.

Use a door chain or slide lock on the inside.

Replace any rotten wood.

Other Tips:

* Use your alarm. Alarms can be adjusted to fit your needs.

* See if you have battery backup in case the alarm wires are cut.

* Consider getting glass-break sensors.

* Increase your lighting in the rear (motion sensors, decorative lights).

* Trim your hedges.

* Meet your neighbors.

* Report anyone suspicious; pay attention to workers and strangers.

* Look outside and around your home; be aware of what is going on outside.

* Stop your mail, paper and ask a neighbor to park a car in your driveway.

* Have a friend check your home.

* When you leave home, keep your blinds closed and a TV or radio and lights on.

* Consider using light and TV timers.

* Move your valuables out of your master bedroom to a different area of the house. This is the first place burglars go to find your jewelry.

* Take a photo of your jewelry, and record your make and model and serial numbers of your valuables.

* If your alarm box has a lock with a key, take the key out of your alarm box, and hide it in a different location.

Susan Salisbury writes for The Palm Beach Post. Story Filed By Cox Newspapers.

For Use By Clients of the New York Times News Service.