Crime Prevention

 

Criminals look for opportunities when committing burglaries and other related crimes. Most

of the residential burglaries are committed not by professional criminals, but rather

spontaneous acts of criminals who take advantage of situations created by inattentiveness

on the part of residents. While there is no simple or sure solution to the problem of home

burglaries, it is possible to make the burglar’s task more difficult, and in some cases to

dissuade the burglar altogether.

 

Burglary Prevention Tips:

 

• Lock all doors and windows before leaving your home, even when leaving for a short time.

• Utilize automatic timers for both interior and exterior lights of your home.

• Always make sure your garage door is closed when leaving the house.

• Install deadbolt locks on exterior doors of your home. Sliding glass doors are more vulnerable, but special locks and door stops can provide added security.

• If you have just moved into a new house, change the locks.

• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.

• Leaving a small radio or television on can create the illusion someone is home.

• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.

• Display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly. 

• Maintain an inventory of all valuables, including serial numbers. Take photos or videos of them.

• If you leave your car in the driveway, make sure all the doors are locked and remove any valuables to include visible money, music players, cell phones, or other items that would entice a thief.

 

When leaving for an extended period of time, in addition to taking the steps listed above, there are other precautions you should take:

 

• Notify the police by filling out a vacant house report.

• Develop an understanding with your neighbors. Neighbors provide some of the best protection when they look out for each other. They can keep an eye on your house when you are away. Ask them to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police. 

• Make preparations to ensure your mail and newspaper will not be delivered while you’re away or have someone pick it up every day.

• Make arrangements for your lawn to be cut on regular intervals.