How To Prevent Your Home From Being Burglarized
One of the most common crimes for anyone to fall victim to is a residential burglary. A residential burglary is a non-violent, non-confrontational crime where a suspect enters your home without your permission to steal, or has the intent to steal, your treasured possessions. This usually occurs when nobody is home, but sometimes bad guys don't realize someone's still inside. Here are some tips to help prevent becoming a victim of a residential burglary:
Lock your doors
Always lock your doors and windows before you leave, even if it's for a short trip to the grocery store or to pick up your children from school.
Lock your doors and windows before going to sleep. Although a residential burglary is considered a non-confrontational crime, it doesn't mean it can't become a dangerous encounter if someone breaks into your home while you're sleeping. You wouldn't want to wake up to find a stranger inside your home, trying to take your hard-earned belongings.
Keep your garage door and shed closed and locked. These are easy targets for thieves.
Make it look like someone is home
If you're going to leave your home for an extended period of time, make it appear as if someone is home. Leave a light on, or use an automatic timer to have lights turn on during the evening. Motion sensor lights are also effective, since they turn on when they detect movement.
If you're going to be out of your home for several days, make arrangements with the post office to hold your mail or have someone pick it up. Have someone mow your grass and keep the yard clean.
Keep trees, bushes, and plants trimmed back to limit places for an intruder to hide.
Keep a radio or TV on.
Make sure your locks are adequate
Many sliding glass doors, windows, and door locks are inadequate. Some sliding doors, standard doors, and windows can be easily forced open. If an exterior door of your residence does not have a deadbolt lock, consider installing one. Consider adding a security door to your exterior doors. A wooden dowel wedged in the window frame can prevent a window from being forced open. Check with your local locksmith for more secure options.
When you move into a new home, or if you lose your keys, change your locks.
Alarm System
A home burglary alarm system is a great method to stop intruders. These systems are like a watch dog for your home, except the alarm system has a direct connection to a security company and/or law enforcement. Call your local security companies to inquire further about these systems to find out what best meets your needs.
If you come home and notice anything suspicious, such as a broken window or open door, call 911 from a cell or neighbor's phone. Do not enter your home. A suspect could still be inside. Keep an eye out for any suspicious cars or people around the area and take note of any description or license plates.
If you've already entered your home and believe someone has broken in and is still inside your home, stop and call 911. Finally, do not disturb anything in the home until law enforcement has a chance to look for evidence.
When in doubt, call 911.
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Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
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