1. Check your home for all possible entry points and any weaknesses
that they may have.
2. Check for overgrown shrubbery and trees; maintain clear lines of
sight for your entrances and driveway. Trim shrubs to a height of
three feet and tree canopies should be trimmed up to eight feet.
Eliminate hiding areas around entrances.
3. Check exterior lighting, this includes the back and sides of the
home. Try to maintain uniform lighting and eliminate dark spots and
shadows.
4. Check windows and door locks, make sure they are in working
order. Install a wide-angle door viewer that permits you to look
outside before opening the door.
5. Lock all doors, windows and garage whenever possible, prior to
leaving your residence, going to bed, or leaving on vacation.
6. Move and secure items that could be used to facilitate entry
through ground floor windows, make sure that casement windows cannot
be pulled open to allow entry.
7. At night close your drapes, blinds and window treatments as a
deterrent. If the subjects cannot see into your home they may be
reluctant to enter.
8. Set your alarm before going to bed. You may consider having a
panic button installed near the bed or use a wireless remote alarm key
chain or pendant. Have a telephone near the bed.
9. Leave an interior light on or use a timer to turn the light on
and off. Leave a radio or television on when out of the house.
10. Discontinue any deliveries while away on business or vacation.
Arrange for family or friends to visit your home while you’re away.
11. Take time to inventory, photograph and have an appraisal
conducted on valuable items. Prepare a videotape of your home’s
contents and store in a safe place. Keep valuables out of the master
bedroom. Store them in a safe or safe deposit box.
12. Mark your property using an engraving tool for identification.
13. When approaching or leaving your home, look for suspicious
persons or vehicles.
14. As a deterrent vary your routine.
15. Start a neighborhood watch.
16. If you discover that your home has been burglarized, DO NOT
ENTER. IMMEDIATELY CALL THE POLICE BY DIALING 911
If you are home and a burglar confronts you….
- Remain calm, comply with the burglars’ instructions.
- Remember your life is more valuable than your property.
- Try to memorize a description of the subject.
- When the subject leaves, Call the Police by dialing 911
NCPD/SPIN
