Theft Prevention
One of the most frightening crimes that can occur to a family is a home invasion robbery. A home invasion is when intruders force their way into your home to commit a robbery or other crimes. This violates your private space and the one place you feel as your own personal place of comfort. When you're robbed you're also robbed of this contentment. Don't think that your excluded and you can't be robbed. It can happen to anyone. We encourage you to take these steps to prevent your home from being robbed.
Teach Your Family About Home Security
- Explain the importance of security and emphasize the role each person plays in keeping your home secure. Make sure they know the importance of their role.
- Ask your family to always lock doors and to keep them locked. They should also always watch their keys to prevent someone from stealing them.
- Teach children to never answer the door when they are home alone.
- Create a contact list. Print it and post it for everyone in the family to see. This list should contain emergency contact information. Posting this list by the phone will enable easy access.
- Do not trust unfamiliar delivery, utility or other people who request access to your home unless you have set up the appointment ahead of time and you have been presented with the proper identification.
Doors
- Check the door frames. Install solid core doors, heavy duty locks, and window security devices.
- Lock all doors, windows, garage doors and garage interior doors at all times.
- Make sure you know who's on the other side of your door before unlocking and opening.
- Secure your sliding glass doors with sturdy pin-type locks.
- Place a piece of wood or metal in the track of your sliding glass door.
- Make sure mail slots cannot be used to gain access.
- If your garage has a window make sure an intruder cannot see in to check if any cars are inside.
Keys and Alarms
- Give an extra key to a trusted neighbor or friend instead of hiding it outside your home. If you hide a key outside others will find it.
- Get a security system for your home. Did you know you could receive discounts on your homeowners insurance just by having a security system?
- Call your home insurance agent. He/she may be able to recommend a good system or company that provides security systems.
- Make sure your security signs and decals are clearly visible to intruders. Don't forget to put one on the garage door.
Windows
- Make sure your windows have adequate locks and they are in good condition. Check your frames for any easy way tools could fit to pry open.
- Lock double-hung windows with key locks.
- Install window alarms. You should consider this when purchasing or upgrading your existing security system.
Outdoor
- Remember the goal. You want to make it difficult for intruders to get in but not difficult for your family to get out.
- Replace old wood and bent screen frames.
- Install motion sensor lights. These are affordable and easy and a great reason for an intruder to exclude your home.
- Light all entrances with bright lights.
- Use your porch light to have a clear view.
Protect Your Valuables
- Review your insurance coverage and ask your agent about any additional coverages.
- Update your home insurance policy when you have purchased new valuables.
- Keep valuable items in a fixed safe, such as a floor safe.
- Put an inexpensive, easy to remove safe in your bedroom with nothing in it. Theives won't take the time to open it while they're in your home.
- Engrave an identifying number or name on valuables.
- Keep valuables out of sight from windows.
- Breakdown boxes of large purchases and put them at the bottom of your trash pile.
- Take inventory of what's in your home. Notify your insurance agent.
- Notify your neighbor of any suspicious activity. Ask them to watch your home and offer to watch theirs.
- Join the neighborhood watch group or start one.
