One day this summer, a savvy, alert teenager — home alone — looked out the window to see three suspicious characters standing at the front door of the house across the street. Sensing something was wrong, she telephoned her mother who immediately advised, “Hang up and call 911!”

Within minutes, the area was surrounded by police, guns drawn, in an effort to catch the criminals. By now, the bad guys had broken into the home via a back window; but due to the quick action of our hero teen, didn’t have time to steal anything. Sadly, the burglars escaped over a fence to an awaiting car, or so it’s been reported.

“It’s such a nice neighborhood,” said a friend in disbelief.

And what a true statement that is. Neighbors care about each other. Many have lived here for more than 20 years. With so many vigilant neighbors, crime still infiltrates our nice neighborhoods.

So, how can we protect our homes?

The Bothell police hosted a National Night Out Against Crime on Aug. 3, to meet the neighbors and inform them of ways to protect themselves.

I always thought that if a stranger knocked on my door, I should pretend there’s no one home. According to police, we should make it known that someone is at home, even if it’s just to call from a window saying, “May I help you?”

If the crooks think there’s no one at home, yes, even in broad daylight, they’ll attempt to break in.

“They’re bold,” says David Schlaegel, crime-prevention officer.

Schlaegel adds, “Criminals are also very creative,”

Officer Schlaegel is particularly concerned about what he calls “social engineering.” That is, phone callers and e-mailers trick people into giving them social-security numbers, passwords and account numbers. He feels children and the elderly are most vulnerable.

In our polite society, it’s hard for many of us to say “No” to someone official sounding, who calls asking for a donation. We also need to delete that e-mail immediately from someone whose name we don’t recognize, bearing a nonsensical subject matter.

In any situation we encounter, officer Schlaegel advises, “Go with your instincts.”

The Bothell police suggest simple steps we can do to protect ourselves:

• Install secure locks on each door, using a deadbolt on external doors.

• Secure the sliding glass door by putting a dowel down inside the track.

• Don’t hide house keys outside.

• Trim shrubs around the house.

• Keep the porch light on at night and install a motion detector.

• If you suspect someone has broken into your home, do not enter and call 911.

• Have a phone by your bed.

• Install a security system (or a big, loud dog!).

Then, there’s that easy target — your car. Whether day or night, remove all valuables from your car — purses, GPS units, laptops, cell phones — and lock it.

The New York City street vendor who followed the four-word rule, “See Something — Say Something” saved many people that day from a car bomb about to explode in Times Square.

Our hero teenager followed the same motto and saved our neighborhood from crime that day this summer.

Suzanne G. Beyer is a Bothell resident.