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Nine out of ten
household burglaries are preventable.
Think About It
Knowing about a burglar's three worst enemies -- light, time and
noise -- can help you protect your home from crime. A burglar
won't find your home an "easy mark" if he's forced to work in
the light, if he has to take a lot of time breaking in, and if
he can't work quietly.
"Case" Your Place
Take the time to "case" your house or apartment, just as a
burglar would. Here are a few questions to get you started:
Where is the easiest entry? How can
you make it more burglar resistant? Trim trees and shrubs
near your doors and windows, and think carefully before
installing a high, wooden fence around your back yard. High
fences and shrubbery can add to your privacy, but privacy is a
burglar's asset. Consider trading a little extra privacy for a
bit of added security. Force any would-be burglar to confront a
real enemy -- light. Exterior lights, mounted out of easy reach,
can reduce the darkness a burglar finds comforting.
How can you slow burglars down?
Time is a burglar's enemy, too. A burglar delayed for four or
five minutes is apt to give up and try for another, less
difficult location. Simple security devices -- including such
ordinary equipment as nails, screws, padlocks, door and window
locks, grates, bars and bolts -- can discourage intruders and
keep them from entering.
How about noise? Try to make the
general prospect of robbing your home a noisy job. Noise is that
important third enemy of the burglar. Many types of alarm
systems are available, with detectors to be mounted on doors and
windows. Deciding just how much home protection you need -- and
can afford -- is a personal judgment. Ask your police department
or sheriff to have someone survey your home and advise you about
suitable protection.
Are any of your valuables - such as a
painting, a silver collection or an antique chair-easy to see
from outside? Rearranging your furnishings might be
advisable if it serves to make your homeless inviting to
criminals! Incidentally, should you ever need to report a
burglary or file an insurance claim, a household inventory - a
listing of your furniture and major personal belongings - could
be a valuable document.
Consider Some Specifics
Reducing the risk of break-ins is simply a matter of making your
home less inviting to burglars than other homes in the
neighborhood. It's up to you.
Doors.
Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood, and at least 1
3/4 inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong
material, and each door must fit its frame securely. Remember,
if it is placed in a weak door, even the most efficient lock
will not
keep out a determined burglar. A
peephole or a wide-angle viewer in the door is safer for
identifying visitors than a door chain. Sliding glass doors
present a special problem because they are easy to open, but
there are locks designed for them. A broomstick in the door
channel can help, but don't depend on it for security.
Locks. Deadbolt locks are best.
Windows. Key locks are available
for all types of windows. Double-hung windows can be secured
simply by "pinning" the upper and lower frames together with a
nail, which can be removed from the inside. For windows at
street level, consider iron grates or grilles. For windows
opening onto a fire escape, metal accordion gates can be
installed on the inside.
Make the Extra Effort
Here are some "home security habits" to develop and practice:
-
Establish a routine to follow in making certain that doors
and windows are locked and alarm systems are turned on
- Avoid
giving information to unidentified telephone callers, or
announcing your personal plans in want ads or public notices
(such as giving your address when advertising items for
sale). Notify police if you see suspicious strangers in your
area.
- Handle
your keys carefully. Don't carry house keys on a key ring
bearing your home address or leave house keys with your car
in a commercial parking lot. Don't hide your keys in
"secret" places outside your home - burglars usually know
where to look.
- Remember
special vacation tips. This is a clear giveaway that the
owners are not home. When going on vacation, leave blinds
open in their usual position. Have mail and packages picked
up, forwarded or held by the post office. Lower the sound of
your telephone bell so it can't be heard outside. Arrange to
have your lawn mowed or your walk shoveled. Stop newspaper
deliveries. Ask a friend to pick up "throwaway" newspapers
and circulars. Use automatic timers to turn lights on and
off in your living room and bedrooms at appropriate times.
Consider connecting a radio to a timer. Tell police and
dependable neighbors when you plan to be away and join with
your neighbors to keep a close watch on what's happening in
your area - working closely with them is a good way to
prevent crime.
...And Remember This
Confronting a thief in your home is frightening. Follow this
advice:
- Run away
if you can and call police.
- Lock
yourself in a room if you can't escape.
Cooperate and
stay as calm as possible should you find yourself face-to-face
with a burglar. |
