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  Burglary
It could happen to you!!
Safety
Tips
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Lock your doors and
windows when leaving, no matter how long or short the time
span. Many times the burglar enters the residence through
an unlocked door or window.
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Do not leave money or
valuables in plain view in your home. Close the blinds or
drapes when you leave. If possible, leave on a stereo or TV
and a light.
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Be sure to write down
the serial numbers for all major purchases and keep them in
a safe place.
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Report any suspicious
activity to the police.
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Arrange for your
grass to be mowed and your mail to be picked up if you will
be away for a significant amount of time.
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Make your home look occupied, and
make it difficult to break in.
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Leave lights on when you go out.
If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect
some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the
evening and off during the day.
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Keep your garage door closed and
locked.
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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.
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Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are
easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all
your outside doors.
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Sliding glass doors are
vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
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Other windows may need better
locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for
alternatives.
Don't tempt a thief:
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Lawn mowers, snow blowers,
barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
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Always lock your garden sheds and
garages.
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Use curtains on garage and
basement windows.
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Never leave notes on your door
such as "Gone shopping."
Locks…get the best:
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No lock, regardless of its
quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks
provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your
situation.
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Change locks immediately if your
keys are lost or stolen.
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When moving into a new home, have
all locks changed.
Targeting
the Outside:
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Have adequate exterior lighting.
A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
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Trim trees and shrubs so that
they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
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Make sure your door hinges are on
the inside.
Windows:
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Most windows can be pinned for
security.
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Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight
downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway
into the outside frame - place a nail in the hole to secure
the window.
Alarms:
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An alarm system is excellent for
home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners,
especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of
alarm systems on the market.
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Make several inquiries to
different companies for the best security system available
to you.
If Your Home Is Broken Into:
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If you come home to find an
unexplained open/broken window or door:
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Do not enter - the perpetrator
may still be inside.
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Use a neighbor's phone to call
police.
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Do not touch anything or clean up
until the police have inspected for evidence.
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Write down the license plate
numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
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Note the descriptions of any
suspicious persons.
Other precautions you should take:
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Never leave keys under doormats,
flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places --
burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
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Keep a detailed inventory of your
valuable possessions, including a description of the items,
date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and
keep a copy in a safe place away from home -- this is a good
precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a
photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms
and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance
in making and keeping your inventory.
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Trim your shrubbery around your
home to reduce cover for burglars.
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Be a good neighbor. If you notice
anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911
immediately.
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Form a Neighborhood Watch Group.
We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security
and reduce risk of burglary.
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Consider installing a burglar
alarm system.
Contact Information
Emergency 911
Non-Emergency 765-1212
District Five 569-8500
Community Liaison Unit 569-8506
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