Information Detail
The Sheriff's Department would like to remind its residents of some simple tips to prevent becoming an unwanted victim of a burglary or a break-in. Keeping your home and valuables safe and secure starts with you!
LOCK IT UP
Install a deadbolt type lock on all exterior doors and use them! Take extra precaution with sliding glass doors by placing a strong dowel or steel bar into the back groove of the door. Close and lock your windows before leaving the house. Install a pin or nail into the frame of any window holding an air conditioning unit to prevent it from lifting. Do not leave spare keys out in common hiding places. Secure bicycles in your garage and always lock the doors to your vehicles.
SECURE YOUR YARD
Make sure that exterior lights are in working order. Consider installing motion activated lighting for your front and rear yards. Trim trees and bushes near your windows and walkways to keep them visible. Cutting these back can eliminate dark shadows to prevent intruders from hiding. Plant thorny bushes or shrubs beneath first floor windows to prevent easy access by a burglar. Do not leave ladders or tools out which can be used to break into your home. Make sure to keep your valuables out of sight. Break down the cardboard box that your new flat screen TV or computer came in, and don't leave it visible by the recycling bin.
KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
Strangers stick out in close-knit neighborhoods. Start a Neighborhood Watch and keep an eye on your neighbor's property. If you leave on vacation, have your mail and newspaper service halted or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you. Alert the police and ask for patrol checks on your home while you are out of town. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, such as door to door sales or people looking in parked vehicles, report it to your local police immediately. Remember, "If You See Something, Say Something"!
Other tips: Make a list of your valuable belongings and their serial numbers. Update this list periodically. Check with your insurance carrier and make sure you have the right coverage and enough. Special items such as expensive jewelry or antiques may need a separate policy. If you rent, purchase renter's insurance. The property owner will generally not be liable for the loss of your possessions in a home burglary.
PROTECT YOUR VEHICLE
As well as protecting your home from unwanted break-ins, similar steps can be taken in securing your vehicle as to minimize your risk of theft. Essential things to remember are ensuring that valuable items aren't left inside your car, such as purses, wallets, electronics, jewelry, money, gym bags and GPS devices. Close and lock your doors and make sure that the windows to your car are rolled up all the way. If you have an alarm on your car, make sure that it's activated whenever you lock your car as well.
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