Neighborhood Security Tips

Last Updated on Thursday, 25 March 2010 03:04 Written by Board Member Wednesday, 24 March 2010 00:00

Good Security Habits Keep Burglars Away

CLEAN-UP—Clean up your patio area. Never leave small portable items (lawn chairs, tricycles, bicycles, etc.) laying around where they may be easily stolen. Keep them in the garage with the door closed and locked. Do not leave tools or personal items outside, lock them up securely. Don’t provide a burglar with the means to break into your home.

YOUR ROUTINE—Alter your daily routine occasionally, to confuse any would-be burglar who may be watching your house.

ADMITTING STRANGERS—Always be careful about admitting strangers. Identification of salespersons, public utilities personnel, repair persons, and stranded strangers should always be required before opening the door. A wide angle door viewer is an absolute must if visibility of callers is not possible. Partially opening the door equipped with a door chain is a practice which must be discouraged.

VACATION PROCEDURES—If you are gone for a long time, stop all mail and newspaper deliveries. Secure home and leave lights on a timer. Leave a key to your home with a trusted neighbor in case of emergency and make sure your information is current with Homestead Management. You may also notify the police in your area and request a vacation watch.

RE-KEY LOCKS—This should be done when moving into an apartment, or with second ownership of homes. This procedure is relatively inexpensive to the resident or property owner. Renters should request that the locks be changed when accepting the lease.

USE LOCKS—An unlocked lock is not a lock! Habitually lock your home and keep your garage doors closed when inside your unit. It only takes a few seconds for an intruder to swipe your possessions. Keep your windows closed when away or at night is something which might be emphasized with every resident.

HIDING KEYS—An extra key hidden in a secret location should always be avoided. A burglar knows all the “hiding spots” and will look there for spare keys