Burglary Prevention Tips


The L's of Crime Prevention: LIGHTS, LOCKS, and LAW!


THE BURGLARY BASICS:
  • Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

  • Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors

  • Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day

  • Keep your garage door closed and locked

  • Don't allow dail deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

  • Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.

  • Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

  • Push button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

  • Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security

  • Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

DON'T TEMPT A THIEF:
  • Lawn mowers, snow blowers, bar-be-ques and bicycles are best stored out of sight.

  • Always lock your garden sheds and garages.

  • Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

  • Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping".

LOCKS...GET THE BEST:
  • No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your situation.

  • Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.

  • When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.

TARGETING THE OUTSIDE:
  • Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.

  • Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

  • Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.

  • Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.

WINDOWS:
  • Most windows can be pinned for security.

  • Drill a 3/16" hole on a slight downward slant through the inside window frame and halfway into the outside frame - place a nail in the hole to secure the window.

ALARMS:
  • An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market

  • Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you.


IF YOUR HOME IS BROKEN INTO:
  • Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.

  • Use a neighbor's phone or a cell phone to call police.

  • Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.

  • Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles.

  • Note the descriptions of any suspicious people.


OTHER PRECAUTIONS YOU SHOULD TAKE:
  • Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

  • Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home -- this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video recording of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.

  • Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately.

  • Mark your valuables with your driver's license number with an engraver. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of an easier for police to recover.

  • If you are going on vacation, consider coming down to Police Headquarters and fill out an "Unoccupied Building Form". For more information, call Police Headquarters (973) 838-5400

  • Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.

  • Consider installing a burglar alarm system.


The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood, and remember you can always remain anonymous.


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