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Outside Your Home
Protect your home by starting where the burglars usually start - outside.
Landscaping:
Look around. Are large trees near the house? Prune lower limbs that could
help a thief climb in second floor windows. Trim trees and bushes so a
burglar cannot use them for cover. High wooden fences also allow a burglar
to work unnoticed. Remember to lock up ladders and tools. Ask your neighbors
to do the same. Trellises look great, but place them where they cannot
be used as ladders to the second floor.
Lighting:
Criminals avoid the spotlight. Porches, yards, and all entrances to your
home and garage should be well lit. Ask your police or sheriff's department
for suggestions about lighting.
Your House Number:
Make sure law enforcement or fire agencies can locate your house in an
emergency. Your house number should be clearly visible from the street
day and night. Use numbers that are 6 inches high and made of reflective
materials or black numerals against a white background. Avoid script numbers
- they can be confusing. If your house is some distance from the road,
post the number at the driveway entrance. If you live on a corner, make
sure the number faces the street named in your address.
Windows:
You can buy special key locks for windows at a hardware store. Ask for
locks best suited to your type of windows and get the installation instructions.
Keep the keys away from the windows, but make sure everyone in the house
knows where to find them in case of an emergency. Be sure to check with
your local law enforcement agency or housing officials to see if they
restrict installation of these locks. An easy, inexpensive way to secure
double-hung windows is to use a nail. Drill an angled hole through the
top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of the upper window.
Then insert a nail or an eyebolt. The window cannot be opened until you
remove the nail. Make a second set of holes with windows partially open
so you can have ventilation without inviting intruders. For sliding windows,
try the preventative tips suggested for sliding doors.
Doors:
Hinged Doors
Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4 inches thick) or
metal. Most hollow core doors can be easily broken through. They offer
little protection, no matter what locks you use. Your door should fit
its frame tightly - with no more than 1/8-inch clearance between the door
and frame. If the gap is too large, replace the door. If that is too expensive,
bolt a sturdy metal strip to the door edge. You boost your protection
and save energy. Any hardware dealer can show you the kind of strip to
use. Doors with decorative glass panels or windows are an easy mark. It
takes only seconds to break the glass and unlock the door. If you do not
want to replace the door, install a break-resistant plastic panel or decorative
grill over the glass. Attach the grills with non-removable screws. Most
door hinges are on the inside, safe from a burglar's tools. If hinges
are on the outside, the hinge pins can be easily removed and the door
taken out of the frame. To protect such doors, replace hinges with new
ones with non-removable pins.
Sliding glass doors
Burglars look for sliding glass doors because they are easy to open. Several
types of locks are made especially for these glass doors. The existing
lock can be bolstered by placing a solid strip of wood in the track of
the closed door. That helps block the door even if the lock is broken.
Determined thieves may lift the door off its tracks. Use these preventative
tips:
Adjust rollers so the door cannot be pushed up enough to lift it off the
track.
Insert screws along the upper track of the door. Leave enough room for
the door to slide, but not enough space to lift the door out.
Drill a hole and insert a nail through the inside frame and part way through
the metal door frame. You can remove the nail, but a burglar cannot.
Locks:
Deadbolt Locks
A deadbolt lock can provide good protection. When you turn the key, the
lock mechanism slides a strong metal bolt from the door into the frame.
When you buy a deadbolt lock, make sure:
The bolt extends at least 1 inch from the edge of the door (has a 1-inch
thro).
The connecting screws that hold the lock together are on the inside of
the door.
The strike plate is attached to the door frame with screws that measure
at least 3 inches.
The cylinder has a steel guard - a ring around the key section. The cylinder
guard should be tapered or rotated around the key to prevent wrenching
if twisted.
Double-Cylinder Deadbolt Locks
To improve security on a door with glass panels, use a double-cylinder
deadbolt lock. These locks can only be opened with a key from either side.
Keep keys near the door, but not within reach of the glass panel. That
way intruders cannot get in, but you and your family can get out quickly
in case of fire or other emergency. Check with your local law enforcement
agency or housing officials before you install this lock. Some communities
restrict its use.
Padlocks
Padlocks are typically used for garages, sheds, and workshops. Look for
a sturdy padlock that does not release the key until the padlock is locked.
Be sure the padlock is case-hardened with a 3/8-inch shackle so it can
resist bolt cutters. A double-locking design can prevent the shackle being
pried away from its case. Remember that a padlock is only as good as the
hasp on which it is mounted. The hasp should be secured with bolts that
are concealed when the padlock is locked. All the hardware in the world
will not protect you if you open your door without checking who is on
the other side. Buy an inexpensive viewer. Tell your children and their
babysitters not to open the door to strangers
Remember, always use your locks. Even a five-minute trip to the store
is long enough for a burglar to enter you home.
Keys:
Victims report that as many as half of all burglaries take place without
forced entry. In many cases, the burglar used a key. Be sure your keys
do not fall into the wrong hands.
Never carry identification tags on your key ring or holder.
When you move into a new home have the locks re-keyed or changed. A locksmith
can do this or, if you are handy with tools, you can change the lock yourself.
Know who has every key to your home. Do not give keys to maintenance or
delivery people.
Do not hide your key outside. Burglars know all the hiding places.
Security Alarms:
If you desire additional security, you might consider a burglar alarm
system. Be sure you deal with a reputable firm that provides approved
systems. Check with the Better Business Bureau.
This information courtesy of Police department, fullerton,
CA.
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