Residential Burglary

Whether you rent or own your home, it is filled with treasured mementos, property and money, important documents, and credit cards. You should take the following steps to secure your home against burglary.

• Obtain an alarm system if you can; since criminals take caution with these, you immediately make your residence less likely to be targeted.
• Leave the lights on the television before you leave.
• Tell your local police department to conduct a house watch when you are going on vacation.
• Purchase heavy-duty locks for your doors and windows.
• Cut a broom handle or dowel rods (3/4 inch thick) into sections and place them in the tracks of windows, sliding glass doors, or brace a door. This is a great, inexpensive way to secure doors and windows.
• Purchase an inexpensive window film. It will prevent glass from shattering, whether from violent attempts at property theft or from extreme weather. It can also prevent accidental injuries.
• Mix up your schedule; do not have a daily routine. Criminals watch for people with routines, noting when they leave and for how long.
• Never open your door for someone you don't know. Ask questions while the door is closed and ask for identification.