Home Burglary

General Tips

In 2013, 34% of burglaries were "unlawful" entries; meaning that there was no force used to get inside. Always be sure to lock all doors and windows when leaving the house or going to bed.
When leaving the house at night, leave a light or two on inside; make it look occupied.
Always be sure to lock all doors and windows when leaving or going to bed.
If you are going on a trip, ask a friend, family member, or neighbor to grab your mail and newspapers. The more it builds up, the more it looks like someone isn’t home.
Try and have someone mow your lawn if you’re away for an extended period of time.
Be sure to regularly check your locks on your doors and change them if necessary.
Push-button locks are easy to get into; think about installing dead bolts on your outside doors instead.
Try to avoid leaving grills, bikes, and other outdoor activities equipment out. Store them in your garage if you can.
Installing an alarm system can give you the best sense of security, especially when away. But remember an alarm system can only be effective when it’s activated.
If your keys are stolen, change locks immediately.
Try and have sufficient exterior lighting; motion-sensor lights are available!
Never leave a key under the mat or in a flower pot. Intruders know where to look for spares!

Do not enter. The perpetrator could still be inside.
Get to a neighbor’s house and call the police.
Don’t move or touch anything; let the police inspect for evidence.
Write down license plates of suspicious vehicles.
Try to recall everything in your home, and note things that look out of place once the police arrive.
Make detailed list of everything that was stolen.
Make sure all money and documents are accounted for.

Remember, an alarm system only works if you remember to activate it!