Did you know that nearly 66% of all burglaries are residential, and 62% occur during the daytime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., when no one is likely to be at home? It’s also important to know that 30% of all burglaries are classified as “unlawful entry,” meaning the burglar could gain entry without force — often through an unlocked door or window.
➡️ Here are the top 10 things you can do to help prevent your home from being broken into:
1) Lock your doors and windows - be sure not to give spare keys to too many people, like contractors. If you do, consider changing your locks to something with a keypad where the number can be changed.
2) If you open your window, use window stops and shut them while you sleep
3) Make sure valuables are not visible from windows (use curtains), and keep your vehicle and building keys away from the front door. If necessary, invest in a safe for valuables.
4) Store ladders and objects that can assist in a home entry in a locked shed or garage. This includes things like spades, crowbars, and tools.
5) Keep garage doors closed and locked. If the garage doors have windows, put the garage door release cord away from those windows
6) Use a home security system
7) At night, turn your lights on and leave them on (light is a great deterrent); better still, add a light timer to lamps so they come on at random times when you are out
8) Use solid wood or metal doors
9) Lock your pet door, so it cannot be used as a point of entry
10) Do not open the door for or allow solicitors entry to your home.
Living in a house is different from living in an apartment block - be sure to keep aware of letting people in through communal doors or buzzing people in without knowing who they are. Don’t rely on door staff or cleaners to be your security. Always use your spy hole, and if you get food delivered, get them to leave it at the door so they can’t see into your apartment.
If someone is trying to gain access to your home or a neighbor's home, always call 911. Don’t confront them on your own. Your property can be replaced, but you and your family cannot.
When you call 911, state the address, the closest intersection, and the city/town you are in, followed by the reason for calling, and describe the behavior you are witnessing and of persons.
Finally, remember that a person’s behavior makes them suspicious, not what they look like. Check out Nextdoor guidelines for identifying and communicating about suspicious behavior —> https://help.nextdoor.com/s/article/How-to-communicate-a-crime If you have other tips, share them below in the comments, and kindly repost this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and then "Repost in newsfeed."
