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Home Security Guidelines

Of all the major criminal offenses, residential burglary is perhaps the most common. A burglary is reported every 15 seconds in the United States. Most residential burglaries are crimes of opportunities. The burglars devote relatively little time to advance planning. If their advance checking and examination of the potential target reveals a risk greater than anticipated, they often move onto what they perceive to be a safer or easier target. The following are tips to improve the safety and security of our residences:

Exterior

Good Lighting is a deterrent to crime. Lighting lets the homeowner see the pathway they take from their vehicle to the house. Effective lighting also forces the intruder to work in an area where he may be exposed and reported to the police.

All sides of the home should be protected by security lighting that is located high out of reach and is vandal resistant. The best possible location for exterior residential lighting is under the eaves of the house.

Each door should be equipped with a light that provides quality illumination in the vicinity of the door.

Lighting in garages is critical. An automatic garage door opener is the best choice.

Security lighting should be automatically controlled by photocell. Photocell bases which screw into the bulb socket are available at minimal cost. The bulb is the screwed into the photocell base. From that point on, the light will illuminate automatically as the sun goes down.

Motion detection lighting is strongly encouraged, particularly in areas where lighting may be considered intrusive to neighbors.

Bushes, trees and shrubbery can conceal an intruder as he attempts entry into a window or door; or worse yet, as he waits in hiding for the homeowner! Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible to neighbors and from the street. Prune trees so they can't help a thief climb in second floor windows. Place trellises where they can't be used as ladders to gain entry to upper floors.

Intruders look for homes that have few or no obstacles blocking a quick exit Fences can prevent burglars from carrying away large items if the gates are locked. Ladders and tools should be stored in a garage or a storage shed, these facilities should be locked.

House or street numbers on a home should be easily visible from the street.

If There Is A Death In The Family
Arrangements should be made for a house sitter the day of the funeral.  Burglars have been known to scan local obituaries.

Operation Identification
Each homeowner should engrave their social security number on items of value such as TV's, stereos, VCR's, cameras sporting equipment, tools, etc. They should photograph unmarkable items such as china, silver or jewelry.  Every homeowner should make a complete inventory of household goods, including serial numbers of valuables.

Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is a crime prevention program that uses citizens, in cooperation with law enforcement, to reduce crime in their communities. It involves neighbors getting to know each other, taking the time to watch out for each other, and working together in a program of mutual assistance. Neighborhood Watch is an effective means of reducing residential burglaries.

For security information regarding doors, windows and alarms, contact the Police Department.