Safety Tips

Home Security

Burglary has always been known as a crime of opportunity.  Anti-criminal judgment is the most effective tool against crime.  This means that you need to have a criminal mentality in order to find and decide on what will deter a criminal form making you his/her next victim.  To do that, you need to look at the big picture.  For example, look at your residence and examine the doors, the windows, the locks, and all other possible points of entry or exit.  See! Now you looked at the big picture.  Next, you need to examine them.  Let's look at them.

Doors

First, examine the material the doors that lead to the outside are made of.  Are they metal or solid core, 1-3/4 inch hardwood?  If they aren't, think about it.  Do you want to invest in doors?

Now, examine the locks.  Are they good locks?  Or, are they deadbolt locks with a minimum of 1-1/2 inch bolt?  Also, the door hinges must always be in the inside and designed so that they can not be removed from the outside.  Examine the door for any possible security weaknesses, and contact your crime prevention officer for advice if necessary.

Windows

All windows need to have good locks which need to be used at all times when no one is at home.  Examine them and decide what you need to change.  Remember, don't be afraid to contact your crime prevention officer for assistance.

Another anti-criminal tool is light.  Darkness aids the burglar.  When an area is well lit, criminals are more easily seen and identified.  Criminals are more likely to be observed by neighbors, or passersby, or police patrol.  Lighting is not only for security but also for safety.  So, make sure that well lit areas include porches and all other possible entrances or exits.  Finally, shrubbery must be trimmed to widow or porch height to avoid cover for burglars.

Other Clues

• You may want to consider installing an alarm.

• If you live alone, have someone from the opposite sex record the message on your answering machine and use the word "we" instead of "I."

• Never hide keys outside, burglars always know how to find secret hiding places.  You should consider leaving a key with a responsible trusted neighbor.

• Ladders and tools must never be left outside.

• When purchasing expensive portable items, do not throw the empty boxes outside in one piece. Cut them up and throw them without hinting anyone that you have a new item.

• Prior to going on vacation, notify your post office and stop mail delivery, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up every day while you are away.

• Secure all window air conditioning units by using bolts to attach them to the wall.

• Secure fire escapes.

Among the most effective crime prevention programs in the country is the "Crime Watch" concept.  It is a neighbor to neighbor program.  You may want to consider joining an existing one, or you may start one in your neighborhood.

For more information regarding crime watch organizations or how to start one in your neighborhood, you may contact the Community Service Office in District 13 at (617)343-5624.