Recently, Naperville residents have been the target of residential burglaries. Nationwide, a burglary is reported every 15 seconds. Overall, burglaries are down from this same period last year, but this is still no time to become complacent with your home security. Make your house a lousy target by following some simple “target hardening” steps.
Start on the inside of your home. Every house has doors and locks, right? It is important to use them. Over 60 percent of residential burglaries are crimes of opportunity—an unlocked door or open garage door is an invitation for a criminal! Use a good quality deadbolt on all your exterior doors with a one inch throw. Reinforce sliding glass doors with a metal dowel along the bottom track and install screws along the top track to prevent the door from being lifted out of the frame.
The exterior of your home should be well lighted during the nighttime. Criminals like the cover of darkness. Entrances, porches and yards all should be illuminated. Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible from the street. A good rule is that bushes in front of windows should not be higher than three feet tall. You should also trim the branches on any trees near your home up at least six feet. The last thing you want is your tree outside of your bedroom to be used as a ladder.
When traveling, keep your home looking lived-in by having the grass cut, mail and newspapers picked up, and interior lights turned on and off with timers. Some people even keep their TV on a timer when gone.
Get involved! It takes police and citizens working together to prevent crime. Be alert in protecting not only your home, but your neighbors as well. Know who belongs in your neighborhood. Report any suspicious persons or activity immediately to 9-1-1.
For more important Burglary Prevention Tips, visit our web site at www.naperville.il.us.
Until next month… Stay Aware & Stay Safe.
