Crime Prevention Tips – Don’t Be An Easy Target

Exterior doors that have glass within reach of a door lock should have the glass replaced with a solid material. Otherwise, a burglar can break the glass and then reach inside to open the door from the inside. A double key lock (inside and outside) will create a dangerous condition in the event of a fire.

Place wooden dowels, pipes, or other substitutes in the tracks of all sliding glass doors and windows so as to limit movement. This will make it more difficult for a burglar to tilt the doors or windows and enter your home or place of business.

Place highly visible decals near all likely points of entry to inform would - be burglars that the property is protected by a burglar alarm system.

Place a highly visible security alarm sign in the front of your home or business to inform would - be criminals that the property is protected by a security alarm system. Consider placing a security alarm sign in the back yard as an added deterrent.

Realize that experienced burglars understand that the pedestrian door to the garage is often not highly secured and provides good cover for an entry. Consequently, it is a likely point of entry and must be secured appropriately.

Consider installing a Safe Room or Panic Room.

Always install peepholes in exterior doors so that the doors do not have to be opened in order to identify who is at the door. Never place complete reliance on a door chain as they are often easy to break.

Establish a Neighborhood Watch for your community. Place appropriate signs to inform would - be burglars that your neighbors are looking out for each other.

Always arrange to have newspapers and mail removed when you will not be home. Burglars often select homes where there is an accumulation of newspapers and / or mail.

Make certain that the door hinges on all exterior doors are on the inside, not on the outside. If the hinges are on the outside, the door can easily be removed.

Never leave notes for family members or service providers on your front door or other visible location. Burglars will know you are not home.

Instead of placing an extra entry key under a door mat, on a ledge, under a rock, or other common location, consider wrapping a key in aluminum foil and then burying it where the gardener will not discover it.

If someone comes to your front door asking to use the phone to call the police or anyone else, keep the door locked and make the call yourself.

For exterior doors, always use solid core or metal doors with heavy - duty deadbolt locks, with one - inch bolts.

When you are not home, make your home appear lived in by installing a series of timers that will automatically turn on and off lights and other electronic equipment such as televisions.