Burglary Prevention Tips

I received the following crime prevention tips in my e-mail today.  It's from the LAPD's community service department, and since we've had some recent issues with strangers in the neighborhood, I thought it might be a good idea to share this.  Afterall, a friendly reminder and a little common sense can keep us all happy and safe in our homes.


THE HOT WEATHER IS APPROACHING making us vulnerable to leaving doors and windows unlocked/unsecured. The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the DAYTIME when most are away at work or school. Burglaries are most often committed by young males or females under the age of 25 years looking for items that are small, expensive and can easily be converted to cash. Items taken are cash, jewelry, guns, laptop computers, game consoles, IPods and other valuable electronics. Quick cash is needed for living expenses and drugs. Statistics show that burglars use some amount of force to enter dwellings. Methods utilized are smashing, prying or forcing a window or door open, but there preference is unlocked/unsecured windows and doors.

 

The burglar’s selection process is simple. Choose unoccupied homes with the easiest access, the greatest amount of cover, and with the best escape routes. What follows is a list of suggestions to minimize your risk by making your home unattractive to potential burglars.

BURGLARY BASICS:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
• LOCK ALL windows and doors before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time. LOCK your doors.
• Leave LIGHTS ON when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect lamps to automatic timers. Let neighbors know you are going to be out of town.
• Keep your garage doors CLOSED and LOCKED.
• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers, or flyers build up, while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Check your doors and window and replace with secure devices as necessary.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
• Other windows may need better locks. Check with locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
• Install alarm system.

WINDOWS

• Make sure they are LOCKED. If a small person can fit through the window so can the burglar.
• Most windows can be pinned for security
• Secure all accessible windows with secondary blocking device.
• Make sure no one can reach through an open window.
• Use anti-lift devices to prevent window from being lifted.

SLIDING DOORS:

• Sliding doors are secured by latches NOT locks.
• Use secondary blocking device on all sliding glass doors.
• Keep sliding door rollers in good condition and property adjusted.  

 

LIGHTING:

• Interior lighting is necessary to show signs of life and activity inside a residence.
• Use interior light timers.
• Use good lighting along pathway and at your door.
• Use light timers to turn on/off lights automatically.

 

ALARMS:

• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation.

 

IF YOU HAVE AN ALARM SYSTEM USE IT. 

• It is an effective deterrent with visible signage.
• Contact alarm companies for most suitable alarm system for your home.

DON’T TEMPT A THIEF:

• Lawnmowers, barbeques, bicycles and tools are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock garden or tool sheds.
• Mow your lawn.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding spaces.
• Have adequate lighting.  

 

LOCKS:

• Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
• When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.

 

OTHER PRECAUTIONS:

 

• NEVER leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes, or other “secret” hiding place.
• Keep detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase, original value, serial numbers, and keep in safe place away from residence.
• BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR and talk to your neighbors. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood call the police immediately.
• Mark valuables with your driver’s license number with an engraver.
• Consider installing an alarm system.

  

IF YOUR HOME IS BURGLARIZED: 

• DO NOT ENTER-the perpetrator may still be inside.
• Use cellular phone or neighbors phone to call police.
• DO NOT TOUCH anything or clean up until the police have inspected the evidence.
• Write down license plates numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
• Note the descriptors of any suspicious persons.