Home Burglary
- 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 daily 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, barbecues 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.
- 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 you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system — Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them.
- Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.
Vehicle Burglary
One of the most common occurring crimes is vehicle burglaries and thefts. Listed below are some suggestions for the citizens of our community to use in an effort to reduce these offenses. Never leave the keys in your vehicle. Always lock the doors, even when you are away from the vehicle for a short time. Remove items (purses, tapes, CD's, books, cash, etc.) from the vehicle when possible. If you can't take them out, put them in a place that is out of view (in the trunk or tool box). Remove "pull-out" style stereos and/or removable faceplates of stereos. (if equipped) Park in lighted areas. Park in garages or on driveways or near your house or apartment so that the vehicle can be viewed periodically. Register the vehicle in the C.A.T. (Combat Auto Theft) program. This allows a decal to be placed on your vehicle that authorizes any police agency to stop the vehicle when it is seen on any street in Texas between the hours of 1 AM to 5 AM. Other vehicle security considerations: - Steering wheel lock bar or steering column locking cover. - "Engine kill" switch. - Car alarm
