Follow these simple tips to help prevent a burglary to your home:
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Keep all doors, windows, pet entrances and garage doors closed and securely fastened. Doors should have deadbolt locks with at least 1” throw and reinforced Strike plate with 3” screws. All windows should have locks.
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Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or piece of wood in the track and install vertical bolts.
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Keep you car doors locked and windows rolled up. This prevents burglars from getting to the garage door opener or a spare set of keys (which should not be kept in the car anyway!)
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When service or delivery people come to your door, ask for ID. If you’re still not sure, call the police first and report the stranger. Call the company to confirm.
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Cut up cartons for TVs, computers, stereos, etc. Tie the pieces together so a burglar going through the garbage does not see any of your highly valuable household items.
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Do not leave ladders or tools lying around outside. They can assist a possible intruder.
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Install a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) in your front door so you can see who is at the door.
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Organize a neighborhood watch program. Neighbors working together make one of the best crime-fighting teams around.
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Make a home inventory list, complete with photos or video. Store this list in a safety deposit box.
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Have a security plan in place and talk about it with your family and friends.
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Write down the emergency telephone numbers of the local police and county sheriff’s office and the numbers of several nearby neighbors. Keep the numbers by your telephone(s).
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Don’t put your name and residential address on your key ring. If you happen to lose it, a dishonest person could gain entry to your home.
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Install and test a burglar alarm. Post signs in conspicuous locations that clearly indicate that the premises are protected by a burglar alarm.
