Even with these
tips, my home still won't be burglar-proof, RIGHT? RIGHT.
No home is burglar-proof. But
most burglars are opportunists looking for an easy target.
Your secured home is much less "attractive" than the one
down the street that isn't protected. Your local burglar
can tell you that.
The Security Survey of your home
should start outside from the burglar's point of view:
1. Do trees and shrubbery obscure doors or windows?
2. Are any entrances to your home unlighted?
3. Are any openings to your home (sky-lights, crawl spaces
or vents) unprotected?
4. Are any entrances unlocked, including the garage and
inside doors?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you have
a problem to correct.
Now let's look at your house
from the inside:
5. Are exterior doors secured using a deadbolt lock, minimum
one-inch throw?
6. Does the basement door have extra protection, such
as a padlock?
7. Does the garage door lock?
8. Does the garage entrance to your home have a deadbolt
lock (with a minimum one-inch throw)?
9. Are all exterior doors (including the garage) strong
enough to withstand excessive force?
10. Are sliding doors and windows secure against forced
locks and/or lifting out of their frames?
11. Are hinges pinned to prevent removal?
12. Is there a peephole viewer (180 degree) on the main
entrance door?
13. Are double-hung windows secured with a pin or extra
lock to discourage jimmying?
14. Are panes in louvred or jalousie windows well-fastened
to the metal retainers? Are they reinforced with metal
sccreening or grating on the inside?
15. Do the casement window latches work properly, without
excess play?
If you answered no to any of these questions, you have
a problem to correct.
To further protect your belongings and help recover stolen
items:
- Clearly mark your valuables with an identifying number.
Your local law enforement agency may be able to assist
you in obtaining an engraver and determining the proper
identifying number to use.
- Establish a security closet inside your house for storing
valuables. The closet door should be as secure as your
exterior doors, with a deadbolt lock and pinned hinges
on a solid wood door.
- Post your house number clearly and keep it well-lighted
at night. This will help the sheriif or police respond
to an emergency, as well as assist in the reporting of
one.
- Be a good neighbor. Watch out for suspicious activity
on your block, and call for help immediately when you
observe it.
Now that you know what
to look for in securing your house, find out how.
Your local law enforcement agency may be able to show
you the techniques to use to "pass" your security survey.
Remember: no home is burglar-proof, but experience has
shown that you can substantially reduce your chances of
being burglarized by reducing easy opportunities.
Things you should know about security surveys:
A security survey is a strange,
new concept, RIGHT? WRONG.
A security survey may be a new idea to you, but there
are people in your area who know all about them, including
your neighborhood burglar. Check with your police or sheriff's
department for assistance.
I have to pay an expensive
expert, RIGHT? WRONG.
Your local law enforcemnt office may be able to help free
of charge. Just ask.
I have to read volumes of
information, RIGHT? WRONG.
This information on this internet page, along with the
recommendations of your local law enforcement agency,
are all you need to conduct a security survey.
I have to buy expensive
equipment, RIGHT? WRONG.
A security survey is based on simple, inexpensive techniques
to safeguard your home against intruders. These techniques
may or may not include alarm systems, depending on your
needs.
