Tips on How to Prevent Burglary

1. Use deadbolt locks on doors.
Weak locks are easily forced open. Use deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and a reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. Lock the doors whenever you leave, even if you will be gone only a short time.

2. Keep garage doors closed and locked.
Don’t rely on the electric garage door opener as your only security measure. Also, when you are pulling out of your garage, take a few seconds to watch the door close completely.

3. Secure sliding doors.
Put a metal or solid wood rod on the inside track to help prevent burglars from forcing the door open. Install screws in the track above the sliding door frame to help prevent the door from being lifted out of the track.

4. Lock windows.
Using window locks is an easy way to keep intruders out. Windows are left unlocked and open more often than doors. An open window, visible from the street or alley, may be the reason your home is chosen by a burglar.

5. Install solid doors.
Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1 3/4 inches thick. Frames should also be of strong material and each door must fit its frame well, with no gaps. Make sure your door hinges are on the inside. Avoid having glass sidelight panels next to the door.

6. Clean up your yard.
Trim or remove big or overgrown bushes near your house. Tall thick shrubs can hide a burglar. Put tools away so that burglars won’t use your own ladders, hammers, screwdrivers or pliers against you.

7. Fences.
Solid fences can keep burglars from being seen entering your house. Consider picket fences, chain link, or other materials that don’t compromise visibility.

8. Use outdoor lighting.
Keep the outside of your home well lit. Place a light over every door at minimum.

9. Keep track of your property.
Keep a detailed list of your valuables, and/or videotape or photograph them. Consider marking your valuables with an engraver. Don’t keep valuables in plain sight, or in the main bedroom.

10. Work together with your neighbors.
Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and directly across the street. When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbors and ask them to watch your property. Call police if you notice anything suspicious. If your neighborhood doesn’t have a neighborhood watch program, start one.

Reproduced with permission of the Ada County Sheriff in Boise, Idaho.

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