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CRIME PREVENTION – HOME SAFETY

CRIME PREVENTION – HOME SAFETY



When you are alone in your home: Never under any circumstances let anyone know you are alone in the house. Keep your doors locked.

Door locks: Keep your house locked when you are away as well as when you are home and use deadbolt locks to secure your home. The deadbolt lock has a bolt that must be activated by a key or thumb turn. It offers good security because it is not spring activated and cannot be opened with a credit card.

Window locks: Many burglars make entry into a residence through open windows so make sure that they are always closed and locked, even when you are home.

Visible house numbers: Visible house numbers are important. They can save police officers, firefighters and paramedics valuable time. House numbers are especially important if you live where there is an alley. Police officers and firefighters will often respond in the alley, as access is sometimes better.

When you are on vacation: Do not leave messages indicating that you are out of town on your mailbox, voicemail or on social media. Suspend paper and mail deliveries when going out of town; or have a friend or neighbor pick up newspapers, mail and flyers from your yard or door. Call your local police station to place your house on vacation watch so that officers can keep an eye on your house during your absence.

Lighting and electronic timers: Use electric timers inside your home to turn on lights, T.V. or radios during your absence. At night or if away, lower window shades, keep lights on in at least 2 locations.

Motion detector lights are very effective in deterring crime: They also light up your driveway or entry doors when you are leaving or coming home. Landscape lighting is low voltage lighting that can highlight your property line, light up your sidewalk and also light up the exterior of your windows – making your home a less attractive target to night time burglars. Interior lighting using light timers makes a home look occupied. Good lights to leave on are bedroom and/or bathroom lights.