How to Deter A Home Burglary

There is no sure-fire method to ensure you do not become a victim of burglary. There are however, steps you can take to greatly minimize your chances of someone burglarizing your home and stealing your valuables. Here are some tips for doing just that:

• Invest in solid doors and good quality locks on doors and windows. This includes locks on all sliding glass doors as well. Make it not only difficult but also time consuming for a burglar to gain entry.
  
• Whenever you go outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you are just stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
  
• Don't put valuables where they can be seen from the window, especially items that can be easily carried.
  
• Be sure your garage door can be secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage broadcasts your absence. When you aren't home, use a timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals as though someone were in the home.
  
• Don't keep large amounts of cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
  
• If someone comes to your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don't invite them in.
  
• Don't hide a spare key under the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding places.
  
• Plant thorny bushes under all windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows to eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.
  
• Invest in a good security system with motion sensor lights installed out of reach.
  
• Don't leave ladders outside. Keep any tools that could be used to break into your home safely locked away in a garage or shed.
  
• Get a barking dog or "beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog and go out of town, have someone you trust come in and care for your dog in your home.
  
• Always double check doors at night and lock all windows. There have been recent cases reported in Sumner where young people are entering residences at night through unlocked doors.
  
• Engrave all valuables such as stereos, microwaves, video cameras, with your driver's license number. Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list of valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.

Burglary Prevention Checklist

Take a copy of these checklists with you when you survey your house and make notes on how you can better secure your home from burglars.

1. Doors and Entry Areas
Are your doors solid core construction?
Do your entry doors have a wide-angle viewer?
Are the locks secure from being opened if a burglar breaks a glass or a panel or wood?
Do your exterior doors have deadbolt locks with at least a one-inch throw and beveled cylinder guards?
Can all your doors be securely locked?
Do the lock strike plates have screws at least 3 inches long going into the house framing?
Do all your out swinging doors have the hinges pinned or have non-removable pins?
Are all entry areas unobstructed by shrubbery and other decor to permit maximum visibility?
Do sliding doors have an auxiliary lock that locks both the door panels together?
Do your sliding glass doors lift out of the track?
Is your garage secured with a lock, hasp, or similar lock other than just the door opener?
Do you lock your car and remove the keys even while it is parked in the garage?
Do you remove your garage door opener from your vehicle at night?

2. Windows
Are all windows equipped with auxiliary key locks or are they pinned?
Have you replaced or secured louvered windows?
Are your window locks properly and securely mounted?
Do you keep your windows locked when shut?
Do you use locks that will allow you to lock a window when it is partially open?
In high crime areas, do you use bars or ornamental grilles to block your windows?
Do you have good secure locks on garage windows?
Are you as careful to secure your second floor windows as you are to secure those on the first floor?

3. Safe Practices
Do you keep a list, pictures, or a video of all your valuable property?
Do you have the serial numbers to all your valuables and bicycles?
Do you avoid unnecessary display of your valuables?
Do you "hide" a key somewhere outside your home?
Do you have lighting installed and in use around the outside of your home?
Have you secured your ladder?
Do you have a list of emergency numbers by every phone?
Have you discussed with your family what to do if you find a burglar in your house?
Do you have a smoke detector installed in your home?