Burglary Prevention Tips

Burglars go through neighborhoods looking for uncut lawns and stuffed mailboxes. In the evening, they look for darkened houses or lights that have been left on too long. The following burglary prevention tips will help to make you and your family safer.

Tips

Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened.

An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.

Secure sliding glass doors.

Place a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.

Always lock the door to an attached garage.

Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.

Create the illusion that you are home.

Using timers on lights, radios and TV's and making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.

Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted.

Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders, as well as highlight a house.

Never leave clues that you are away on a trip.

Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.

Maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

Keeping your shades or window blinds up and curtains open makes it seem as though you are home and deters possible intruders.

Never leave an away message on your answering machine

A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.

Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways.

While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.

Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood.

An alert community is a safe community.

Install and use a home security alarm system.

A quality home security alarm system from KMG Security will alert authorities in the event an intruder breaks into your home.

Verify once a month your alarm is sending a signal.

Test your alarm frequently to make sure that your alarm is functional and the monitoring station is receiving a signal.