Burglary Prevention Tips
Following these prevention tips may help you stop a burglary in your home. For more information, contact the Crime Prevention Officer, Dana Reeves at 972-412-6242 or email Dana Reeves.
Tips
- Maintain the appearance of occupancy.
- House numbers should be at least four to six inches high, reflective and visible from the street.
- Good exterior lighting all around the residence perimeter creates a psychological barrier. Consider motion-activated light fixtures.
- Trim shrubbery away from windows, doorways and porches. Shrubbery and other barriers provide cover for burglars.
- Exterior doors should be of solid construction with secure frames and locking hardware. Use a deadbolt with at least a 1"-1 1/2" bolt throw, which can be found at most home improvement stores. Treat the door from your garage to the inside of the house as an exterior door.
- Windows within 18 feet of the ground should be treated as first-floor windows. These windows should be working and retro-fit with cost-effective locking hardware.
- Ensure that all exterior doors are locked when you are not home.
- If you have an overhead garage door with an automatic opener and are away from home for an extended period of time, disengage the door from the track (usually with the rope hanging from the track bar) and lock the garage door.
- Install a Charlie Bar or other commercial locking device for sliding doors.
- Inventory and photograph your property. Record and maintain serial numbers.
- If an item doesn't have a serial number, apply your own number. Never use your Social Security number.
- Join or start a Neighborhood Watch group. For more information on these, contact Officer Dana Reeves at 972-412-6242.