| Homeowners can stop most Residential Break and | | | | doors are locked. Disconnect power to automatic |
| Enters (B & E). B & E offenses are perpetrated | | | | garage doors. Proper dead bolt, hinge, lock, latch |
| mostly by unsophisticated criminals who seize | | | | and door frame installation is important to ensure |
| immediate opportunities. Unfortunately, | | | | doorways and windows cannot be pried open, |
| opportunities provided by homeowners | | | | spread apart or screws removed to allow easier |
| themselves. | | | | forced entry into your home. Change locks on |
| Specific things (opportunities) the potential | | | | new homes or if your key has been lost. If they |
| offender looks for: | | | | want in make breaking glass their only option. And |
| 1) Homes which appear unoccupied (i.e. Owner | | | | you can harden glass, especially in and near doors, |
| renter on vacation) - lawns not mowed, | | | | with special break-proof laminates and plastics. |
| newspapers piled at the front door, mail | | | | Use steel solid exterior doors only. Install peep |
| accumulation, no lights at times (usually night) | | | | through-door viewers to ensure you can see who |
| when a family might be expected to be at home; | | | | in at your door before you open it. |
| 2) Homes and neighborhoods where the owners | | | | 5) Install an alarm system. Just like the flashing |
| renters appears to be at work - mail in mailbox, | | | | alarm light in your automobile, have a similar visible |
| packages at door, advertising flyers left at front | | | | indicator in your front and back windows. Make |
| door. A simple act of ringing the doorbell or | | | | potential intruders know that you have a burglar |
| knocking on the door can confirm this; | | | | alarm. |
| 3) Homes in upscale neighborhoods (more to | | | | 6) Install bars or grill work in your basement |
| steal); | | | | windows (these can be opened from inside in |
| 4) Open garages (entry point to the house, place | | | | case of fire). A window well provides a |
| to hide or steal contents); | | | | convenient place for a would-be thief to take lots |
| 5) An easy method of entry offering | | | | of time to enter your home through the |
| concealment - fenced-in or hedged back yards, | | | | basement. |
| rear or side doors/windows completely or partially | | | | 7) Don't leave your garage door opener in your |
| shielded from view by fences, screened patios, | | | | car when you are at work. If a thief breaks into |
| shrubs, sheds, basement window wells; | | | | your automobile they know your address from |
| 6) Easy entry points - unlocked doors/windows, | | | | your vehicle permit and if you leave your garage |
| easy-to-open doors/windows (sliding windows or | | | | door opener in the vehicle, they now also have |
| patio doors that can be lifted out of their tracks), | | | | easy access to your home. |
| breakable glass in or near doors that could allow | | | | 8) Take Photos and/or Videotape all your |
| door to be unlocked, doors that can easily be | | | | valuables. Every year video your entire home, |
| forced open using a foot, plastic card, crowbar or | | | | belongings and property. Record serial numbers on |
| chisel (poor quality locks or poor installation). | | | | large valuables. Store all this information off-site. |
| Here are 10 ways to Target Harden your Dwelling | | | | You now have a record of all your property |
| whether you are away for the day or for a | | | | incase of theft or fire. |
| lengthy trip: | | | | 9) Register and mark valuables through Operation |
| 1) Create Light and Sound. Use automatic timers | | | | Identification. Obtain an engraver from your |
| for your lights inside and motion detector lighting | | | | Community Police office or buy one. Etch |
| outside your house. New timers have a random | | | | orengrave your driver's license number on |
| on/off time and battery backup in case of power | | | | valuables. If stolen and later found, Police can |
| outages. Make it look like your house is occupied | | | | check with Motor Vehicles for your name and |
| both during the day as well as at night. Attach | | | | address. Keep minimum cash and valuables in your |
| lights and radios to these timers. | | | | home. Secure valuables off-site (bank safety |
| 2) Leave a key with a trusted friend or neighbor | | | | deposit box). |
| so they can check every 48 hours on your | | | | 10) Maintain a good neighbor community. Organize |
| home. Some home insurance policies stipulate such | | | | a Neighborhood Watch. Look out for each other. |
| regular checks of your home or you void your | | | | That snoopy neighbor can be a perfect burglar |
| insurance coverage. Consider a house sitter. | | | | alarm system. |
| 3) Create that lived-in look. For lengthy trips away | | | | Your home and property are part of a |
| from home, have a neighbor park a car in your | | | | community and neighborhood. There is always |
| driveway, keep your front door clear of | | | | strength in numbers. Expand your home security |
| newspapers/brochures and mow grass/remove | | | | network. Work to have your community burglar |
| snow. | | | | unfriendly. Clearly let the bad guys know, "Go |
| 4) Ensure all windows, all doors and all garage | | | | Somewhere Else"! |