Believe it or not, within the United States a burglary occurs 13 seconds. Fortunately, the frequency of burglaries has been decreasing each year. The decrease is caused by citizens taking the measures to protect their home. If you are not already taking these measures, the next victim could be you!
General Burglary Prevention Tips
Locks & Keys
Have tumblers reset or replace the locks.
You have no way to tell if the previous occupants have made copies of the keys.
Don't hide the key! Remember. if you can hide it the burglar can find it.
Leave a key with a trusted neighbor, if necessary.
Deadbolt locks are the best protection to have. Install them on all exterior doors.
On doors with glass, use a deadbolt that has to be locked/unlocked from both inside and out with a key.
Avoid leaving your house and car keys together on the same key ring.
Don't Let Strangers Into the Home
Use a peephole. (Install one if necessary)
Ask service people for their identification.
Any legitimate business person will be glad to provide their credentials.
Report any strangers loitering in your neighborhood or any people asking suspicious questions to the police.
Install A Burglar Alarm
By installing a alarm, your chances of getting burglarized are slim.
Even by placing burglar alarm decals inside the windows and doors, it will deter burglary!
Street Lights
Well-lit areas discourage burglars.
Report all broken street lights.
Burglary Prevention Tips for Homeowners
Put Things Away
Don't leave ladders outside. They allow easy access to second story windows.
Avoid leaving lawn equipment unprotected.
Lighting
When you leave, turn on a porch light.
Leave a light on inside the house.
Install motion sensor lights triggered when someone walks up to the door or pulls into the driveway.
Illuminate sidewalks leading up to your porch.
Doors & Windows
Secure all exterior buildings with locks.
Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
Lock your windows.
Secure patio doors.
Close garage doors when gone, they provide unseen access into the house.
At nighttime draw curtains and shades.
Burglary Prevention Tips for Apartment Dwellers
Doors & Windows
Change locks when moving in.
Keep outer main doors locked.
Place supplemental locks on windows and terrace entrances.
Mail Boxes
Women living alone should put their first and middle initial instead of Miss. or Ms.
Keep your mail box empty.
When Going Out
Keep a light and radio/TV on to give the illusion that someone is home.
Keep few valuables inside the apartment.
Burglary Prevention Tips for Vacationers
General Tips
Stop all mail deliveries or have a family member or neighbor collect it.
Keep your lawn mowed.
Put things away. Items such as lawn furniture and ornaments have a good chance of theft.
Don't close your blinds.
Use timers on lights.
Move valuables so they can't be seen from the windows.
Have your neighbors keep watch over your home.
Police Protection
The police department's job is to protect your property.
Notify them when you will be going on vacation.
Request the residence to be examined on foot by the police officer.
Secure your home with good locks.
Take care of your keys, do not hide them for burglars to find.
Outside, Don't let your house look unoccupied. Also, put yard equipment away.
Put lights up. Install them on sidewalks, driveways, and porches.
Think twice about letting strangers into your home.
Have police and a trusted neighbor inspect your home while on vacation.
Insure your possessions and keep and up to date inventory of them.
Etch an ID number on items that might get stolen. Preferably use a Driver's License Number.
Find out about burglary alarm systems and have one installed.
All Rights Reserved. This page, and all contents, are Copyright © 1999 by the City of McEwen. McEwen, TN, USA.