Crime Prevention Information

Burglary Prevention-Part One

Burglary is another one of those crimes that can be prevented, if the homeowner takes a vigilant approach. By looking at the tips below, a homeowner can reduce the probability of becoming a victim of burglary.

Lighting

Ensure that all the lights are working around the perimeter of the home. Use energy efficient bulbs, and install motion sensor lighting on the rear of the property.

• Light fixtures should use transparent vandal resistant covers, and all light fixtures should be placed high enough to prevent unwanted persons from having access to them.
• Lights should be near the porch, garage, and any other areas where people will stand.
• Carports should be illuminated during all hours of the night.
• When the homeowner is not at home, use lights set on digital timers so that the times vary. Other appliances, such as stereos can also be added to digital timers.Adjust these so that it appears that someone is home. For example, the light and TV are on in the living room. A short time later, the lights and the stereo in the bedroom turn on, and moments later the living room electronics turn off.

Landscaping

• Choose landscaping that is thorny under windows, but be sure that their mature height does not impare natural surveillance.
• Landscaping near windows should remain below the window sill.
• Shrubbery and bushes should be trimmed below four (4) feet when near slidewalks, and driveways.
• Trees should be trimmed so that the lowest branches are not below six (6) feet.
• Avoid placing landscaping rocks near doors and windows. These provide a means for smashing windows and glass doors.
• Landscaping should be used along sidewalks and any other areas where you would want to channel a person throughout the property, or to keep them out. Remember the height recommendations.
• House numbers should be added to the front of the home. For those homes that have a rear alley, it is recommended that you add house numbers to the rear as well.