Home Security a Must
Home Security
Most residential burglars devote little if any time to the advance
planning of any specific break-in. Their crimes are, for the most
part, crimes of opportunity. They pick what appears to be an easy
mark. If their advance checking and closer examination reveal a
greater risk than anticipated, they move onto a safer target. The
more you can do to keep your home from looking like an easy target,
the safer you are. There are also many steps that you can take to
minimize your loss and improve your chances of recovery if a
break-in does occur.
The first step in improving overall security is to take a hard look
at the security measures already in use in your home. Conducting a
security survey is important. Go through the test carefully. Look
at you house at night as well as in the daytime. Remember, the test
points out security weaknesses around you home. Your home cannot be
adequately protected until these weaknesses are corrected.
Don't "welcome" a burglar into your
home.
Table
of Contents
Landscaping and Yard Security
Exterior and Interior Lighting Landscaping and Yard
Security
House and Garage Doors Street Numbers
Locks, Strikes Plates and Hinges Limited or Direct
Access to Yards and Store Rooms:
Arcadia Doors & Sliding Glass Windows Exterior and
Interior Lighting
Security Systems House and Garage Doors
Home Security Survey Locks, Strike Plates and
Hinges
Other Home Security Information Arcadia Doors and
Sliding Glass Windows
Landscaping and Yard
Security
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A few alterations
to your landscaping can be enough to put off intruders. To avoid
getting caught, intruders look for property they can get into and
out of quickly. Their ideal target is a house surrounded by large
hedges and shrubs, which hamper visibility from the street and
neighbors houses.
Bushes, Shrubs and
Trees: Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible to
neighbors, and from the street. Trimmed landscaping should not
provide concealment for criminals. If you have a second floor,
prune trees so they can't help a thief climb in second floor
windows. Place trellises where they can't be used as ladders to
gain entry to the upper floors.
Ground plants
(shrubbery and bushes) within four (4) feet of any sidewalks,
driveways, doors or gates, should be maintained at a height of not
more than two (2) feet.
Ground plants
between four (4) and eight (8) feet of any sidewalks, driveways,
doors, or gates, should be maintained at a height of not more than
four (4) feet.
Ground plants under
windows should be maintained at a height that is below the window
sill.
Trees should be trimmed so that the lower branches are more than
six (6) feet off the ground.
Place
large gauge gravel on the ground near windows. The noise caused by
intruders walking on it can become a psychological deterrent. DO
NOT place river rocks or other items near glass windows or doors.
You do not want to provide the burglar with his tools!
Plant spiny
(thorny) plants along fences and under windows. Such plants will
discourage even the most nimble intruder. Protecting with spiny
plants is as effective as the use of barbed wire, and a lot more
attractive.
Street Numbers
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Street numbers should be easily visible from the street. Critical
time can be saved by emergency responders when the street address
for the house is visible from a distance.
On your house:
Use numbers made of
reflective materials, or black on white, that are 6 inches
high.
Keep numbers new and clean and replace when necessary.
The numbers should be placed under a light and near the front door
or garage entrance.
Your house number should be painted on the curb in front of your
driveway:
Four (4) to six (6) inch high black numbers on a white background
is
most effective.
It should be
centered at the end of your driveway or just to the house side of
your driveway.
If you live along an alley your house number should be painted (as
stated above) on the fence outside your alley gate.
Limited or Direct Access to Yards and Store
Rooms:
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Intruders look for no, or few obstacles blocking quick exits.
Fences prevent burglars from carrying away large items if the gates
are locked. Gates should be locked at all times, even when your are
home!
Ladders and tools should be stored in a garage or storage shed, and
these areas should be locked.
Landscaping should also be designed to control access to your
property. Proper barriers make the person with criminal intent feel
uncomfortable as he or she approaches your home or business.
Exterior and Interior Lighting
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It is a known fact, that good lighting is a deterrent to crime.
While any lighting will help reduce your risk of becoming of a
victim, the proper lights, used correctly will be the most
effective deterrent to criminal activity.
Exterior:
Exterior lights are important, especially near doors and in the
rear of the house, where intruders do most of their work. All sides
of your home should be protected by security lighting that is
located high out of reach, and is vandal resistant.
Lighting in carports and garages is critical. For garages, an
automatic garage opener is the best choice. Almost every garage
door opener made today has a light that comes on when the opener is
activated, lighting the garage interior. In carports, it is best to
either leave a light on, have a light on a timer, or have a light
connected to a motion sensor or photo electric cell.
The best light to use on the exterior is a motion detector type of
fixture. The advantage to this type of light, especially in the
backyard, is that the light warns the resident that someone is in
their yard. While there is a concern that dogs, cats, or birds will
trigger the sensor and cause the lights to come on, if the resident
sets the sensitivity of the sensor correctly this will not be a
problem. In the front yard, any type of lighting will be effective,
as long the lighting pattern covers the entire front and sides of
the house. Sensor lighting will be effective, but is more prone to
"false alarms" caused by things like people walking down the
sidewalk, or children playing.
Interior:
When residents go out for an evening, they usually leave on their
"burglar beacon". A burglar beacon is a small light that is left on
so they don't walk into a dark house when they come home. These are
lights like the one above the kitchen sink or stove, the hallway
light, or a light in the corner of the living room. Unfortunately
these lights are a signal for the criminal that no one is home. If
you go out for an evening leave a radio and several lights on. When
you go on vacation put at least two lights, in different parts of
the house, and a radio on timers. Contact the Tempe Police
Department and sign up for a Vacation Watch. Regardless of whether
you are on vacation, or just gone for the evening, from the outside
your house should look as if someone is home. For a Vacation Watch
call 350-8311 and provide the required information to the call
taker.
House and Garage Doors
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Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4" thick) or
metal wrapped. Your door should fit it's frame tightly, with no
more than 1/8" clearance between the door and the frame. If the gap
is too big, replace the door or bolt a sturdy metal strip to the
door edge. You will boost your protection, and save energy
too.
Most hollow core doors can be easily broken through. If the door is
flimsy or weak, or doesn't fit securely into the frame, it offers
little protection, no matter what locks you use.
Doors with decorative glass panels or windows are easy marks. It
takes only seconds to break the glass and unlock the door. If you
do not want to replace such doors, install a break-resistant
plastic panel, such as Lexan?, or decorative grille over the glass.
Attach the grill with special non-removable screws.
For the best protection, install a wrought iron security door over
your front door. Wrought iron doors not only provide an extra level
of visible security against a break-in, they also allow you to open
your front door to strangers, or leave the front door open for
ventilation.
Your garage door should be securely locked at all times (even when
you are home). Keeping it locked is just as important as keeping
your home locked, especially if the garage is attached to the home.
Once inside the garage a burglar can work uninterrupted at getting
into the house. Police Department statistics show that
approximately 40% of our non-forced entry residential crime is
through open garage doors.
If you install a "doggie door" be sure it is not a way in for
burglars as well as the dog. Do not be complacent by the fact that
you have a small dog. Burglars come in all sizes!
Locks, Strike Plates and Hinges
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Locks/Deadbolts
The "lock-in-knob offers you privacy and convenience but it does
not offer security from intruders. In fact many "lock-in-knob"
locks can be opened by using a simple credit card. You may have
privacy, but you don't have security.
All exterior doors require the use of a deadbolt lock. When you
turn the key the locking mechanism slides a strong metal bolt from
the door into the door's frame.
When you buy a deadbolt lock, MAKE SURE:
The bolt extends at least 1" into the front edge of the door.
The strike plate is attached through the trim to the door frame
with screws at least 3" long.
It has a rotation case hardened shroud that prevents it from being
twisted off with a pair of pliers or other tools.
The two most common types of deadbolts:
Single Cylinder Deadbolts - Have a thumb turn on the interior side.
They are convenient to use and may speed up the exit process in the
event of fire. If used near a window they can be opened by breaking
the window and reaching through. This type of deadbolt lock does
not prevent the burglar from taking your property out through the
door.
Double Cylinder Deadbolts - Utilize keys on both sides. This type
of lock should be considered if there is glass window within 40" of
the lock. However, this type of lock does present a potential fire
escape hazard. This type of deadbolt lock can delay a burglar that
wants to use the door to remove your property from your home.
Keys
As many as half of all burglaries take place without forced entry.
Many times the burglar uses a key. Be sure your keys don't fall
into the wrong hands.
Never carry identification on your key ring or holder.
Re-key all locks when you move into a new house or apartment.
Know who has keys to your home. Do not give keys to maintenance or
deliver people. If you must leave a key behind, leave it with a
trusted neighbor. Make sure that each member of your family knows
where his or her key is.
Never hide a key outside. Burglars know all the hiding
places.
Do not hang keys on hooks within plain view inside your home.
Strike Plate
The strike plate is attached to the door frame with screws. The
metal bolt of the deadbolt lock slides into the strike plate to
secure the door soundly to the door frame.
A high security strike plate is required to keep the metal bolt
from being kicked from the door frame when locked. A high security
strike plate should have at least 4 screws that are a minimum of 3
inches long.
Hinges
Hinges are often installed with the same 3/4" screws as the common
strike plates. Replace these with 2" to 3" fully threaded screws so
the hinges are anchored to the sub-frame.
In some cases the hinges are installed in such a manner that the
hinge pins are exposed to the exterior and an intruder may attempt
to remove the pins in an effort to gain entry.
Hinges can be pinned by installing a partially threaded screw into
the frame side of the hinge. The unthreaded portion of the screw is
left exposed and the head of the screw is cut off. A corresponding
hole is drilled into the door and hinge on the opposite side, so
when the door is closed the exposed portion of the screw fits in to
the door. This will prevent the door from the being lifted
out.
Arcadia Doors and Sliding Glass
Windows
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People often install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave
arcadia (sliding glass) doors and sliding glass windows "wide open"
to illegal entry. Burglars look for both of these because they are
easy to open. Usually, arcadia doors and windows are more secluded
than a front door, making a perfect place for burglars to hide and
enter. Two factors must be protected against.
Prying the Lock
Most arcadia doors and sliding windows come equipped with a lock
that is easily pried open. A supplemental lock must be
installed.
Broomsticks (they should fit snug), "Charlie bars" and finger
operated locks provide some protection.
Key locking devices are much preferred because they can prevent the
burglars from using the door or window to remove stolen
property.
There are several types of supplemental locks available. Keyed
locks may be keyed alike with other entry lock sets and deadbolts.
Check with your locksmith or hardware store and select a sturdy
type that most suits your home.
Lifting Out
Many arcadia doors and sliding windows can be lifted out of their
tracks from the outside.
Two sheet metal screws placed in the track above the removable part
of the door or window can prevent it from being removed. Adjust the
screws so that the doors or window will just clear underneath
them.
Drill a hole and insert a nail through the inside frame and part
way through the metal door frame. You can remove the nail but the
burglar can't.
Double Hung Windows
To secure a double hung window, drill a downward sloping hole into
the top of the bottom window, and through that into the bottom of
the top window. A pin can now be inserted, locking the window
shut.
By partly opening the window (less that 4 inches) and making a
second set of holes, the window can then be used for ventilation.
Remember, open windows and doors, even if secured, should never be
left unattended while you are gone or asleep.
Security Alarms
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Do you keep extremely valuable property (jewelry, television sets,
computers, other electronic equipment, etc.) in your house? Do you
often leave your house unattended for more that a few hours (go to
work or school for example), or do you want more protection? These
are reasons to invest in a quality alarm system.
The FBI has announced that over a ten year period, and average of 1
of every 4 residences throughout the nation will be burglarized.
Based upon statistics like these, the Police Departments recommends
that most homes be protected buy a good security system.
Many quality alarm systems are available. Before you purchase a
security system, your should have in mind what kind of system your
want. This will prevent buying more equipment that you actually
need. Read as much about different brands and types of systems as
you can. Talk to friends and neighbors that have alarm systems. The
new generation of security products provides video solutions and
state of art systems that alllows you to view and record your home
24/7 a day.
Choosing Your System
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Common questions
asked by people considering an alarm system:
Should I consider a
low cost video alarm. These systems allow you to view your home
even when away on business or vacation.
How do I know the right company to choose when considering the
purchase of an alarm system?
How much protection do I need?
How much should I expect to pay
Tips to help when choosing an alarm company
Ask about insurance...general liability, workman's compensation,
and errors and omissions. You have every right to ask for
certificates of insurance for these items. This protects you!,
because if the company is not properly protected, the claim or
losses falls on you!
Ask for the company's city business license, which allows them to
do business in your community.
Ask for local referrals of other customers in your area that have
had systems installed like the one being proposed to you.
Check your contract! Review carefully what you sign, make sure
everything is agreed upon in writing. Know what the warranty period
is and what is included in the warranty.
Remember, an adequate design should consider the structure, the
lifestyle, the perceived needs and the budget of the
occupant.
Ask is the company has been established for 3-5 years.
Ask if it is going to be monitored locally or outside of the state
of Arizona
Be sure the company does the entire installation and down not
subcontract work out.
The Police Departments does not prefer one alarm company over
another nor do they recommend companies, brands, or types of
security devices of any kind.
To reduce the number of false alarms (98.5% of alarm calls are
false) that police officers do not have to respond to these alarms
becuase of the high rate of false alarm. Million of dollars are
being spent by law enforcement reponding to these calls. For
additional information, please contact your local Police
Department's alarm coordinator.
Other Home Security Information
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Home Inventory List
Keep a "Personal Property Inventory List" in a safe place, possibly
with your insurance papers. This helps to recover stolen property
in the event of a theft or burglary. Keep a duplicate copy in a
safe deposit box or other safe place.
The more complete your inventory list the better. In case of a loss
by causes other than theft it may help you establish your loss with
your insurance company. As an example, if you have a fire in your
residence and lose a couch, an end table and a portion of your
carpet in your front room, the accurate listing of when and how
much your paid for the items will assist you in establishing your
loss.
On the inventory list indicate the room the property was located
in. Make the description of the item as complete as possible.
Include the manufacturer model number, size, color, and the
material the item is made of. This list might include damage marks,
repairs, etc. Make sure to list the manufacture's serial number on
the list. Do not confuse the model with the serial number.
If you mark your property with a personal number, use your Driver
License number, not your social security, unless they are the same.
To aid you in marking your valuables most Police Departments have a
program called that allows citizens of to borrow an engraver from
the police department.
Safety Tips at Home
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If you are bothered by obscene calls, hang up immediately and dial
*57. This will record the location of the last call to your phone,
with the phone company. Then contact the phone company and make a
harassing calls complaint.
Always be observant of your surroundings
If you live alone don't use your martial status or fist name on
your telephone listing or on your mail box.
Get to know your neighbors.
When returning home, or to your car, have your keys in your hand so
that you can let yourself in without delay.
If you think you're being followed, Don't go home! Go to an open
business. If your are still being followed call the police from
there.
Park your car in well lighted areas. Lock the doors and take the
keys.
If you think a prowler is threatening, take no direct action
yourself, dial 911 immediately.
Do's and Don'ts
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Do's
Use the security devices you have.
Leave lights on inside and out when your go out for the
evening.
Have the police and fire department telephone number near your
telephone.
Carry only what is absolutely necessary in your purse.
Check with the manager before letting repairmen in your
apartment.
Close your drapes in the evening hours.
Be suspicious of people loitering around your house, apartment
complex, or the parking lot.
Call the police if you see anything suspicious.
Don'ts
Don't keep large sums of money in your home.
Don't carry large sums of money while you are out
Don't let strangers in to "use your telephone."
Don't undress in front of open windows.
Don't leave notes on your door.
Don't hide a key (leave one with a trusted neighbor).
Don't display expensive equipment or items in plain view through
your window.
Don't use your name or telephone number on your answering machine
message. Use a generic message that does not state that your are
not home.
Don't answer personal questions on telephone surveys.
Don't admit "service reps" from utilities unless you have an
appointment or can verify their authenticity.
What is Suspicious
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Suspicious Persons
Going Door to Door in Residential Area - Especially suspicious if,
after a few houses are visited, one or more of the subjects goes
into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the
front when this occurs.
Possible significance: "Casing" for a house to burglarize, burglary
in progress, soliciting violation, or a trespass.
Waiting in Front of a House or Business - Particularly suspicious
if owners are absent, or, if it's a business, and the establishment
is closed.
Possible Significance: Lookout for a burglary in progress
inside.
Forcing Entrance To or Tampering With a Residence, Vehicle, etc. -
Suspicious under almost any circumstances.
Possible Significance; Burglary, theft, malicious mischief, or
trespass in progress.
Non-Resident Going Into Back or Side Yard of House - Suspicious
under almost any circumstances.
Possible Significance: Possible burglary or trespass in
progress.
Person Running - Especially if something of value is being
carried.
Possible Significance: Fleeing the scene of a crime.
Exhibiting Unusual Mental of Physical Symptoms - Do not approach
these people.
Possible Significance: Possibly injured, under the influence of
drugs, or otherwise needing medical or psychiatric
assistance.
Carrying Property - Suspicious depending upon the circumstances.
For example, if at an unusual hour or in an usual place, and if the
property is not wrapped as if just purchased.
Possible Significance: Subject leaving the scene of a robbery,
burglary, or theft.
Excessive Human Traffic To and From a Certain Residence - Not
suspicious unless it occurs on a daily or very regular basis,
especially during late or unusual hours.
Possible Significance: Vice or narcotics activities, or a "fence"
operation.
Suspicious Vehicles
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Certain Moving Vehicles - Especially if slow moving and without
lights, or if the course followed appears aimless or repetitive.
This is suspicious in any location, but particularly in the area of
schools, parks or playgrounds.
Possible Significance: "Casing" for places to rob or burglarize.
Drug pusher or sex offender.
Certain Parked, or Occupied Vehicles - May contain one or more
persons, especially significant if observed at an unusual
hour.
Possible Significance: Lookout for a burglary or robbery in
progress. True even if occupants appear to be lovers.
Vehicles Being Loaded With Valuables - Suspicious if parked in
front of a closed business or unattended residence, even if the
vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit, possibly even
bearing a sign identifying it as a repair vehicle, moving van,
etc.
Possible Significance: Burglary or other theft on progress.
Abandoned Vehicle - Possible stolen car.
Vehicle Containing Weapons - Suspicious under almost any
circumstances.
Possible Significance: Owner may engage in criminal activity.
Other Unusual Activity Involving Vehicles - Persons attempting to
forcibly enter a locked vehicle, especially at night or in a
parking lot.
Possible Significance: Burglary, theft, or malicious mischief in
progress.
Persons Detaching Mechanical Parts or Accessories from a Vehicle -
Suspicious especially at night in the street or in a parking
lot.
Possible Significance: Theft or malicious mischief in
progress.
Apparent Business Transactions Conducted from a Vehicle -
Suspicious especially if around schools or parks, and if juveniles
or females.
Possible Significance: Kidnapping, or drug transactions.
Objects Thrown From a Vehicle - Suspicious especially while
traveling at high rate speed.
Possible Significance: Disposal of contraband or garbage
dumping.
Property in Vehicles - Not suspicious unless the property is not
normally found in vehicles, especially if observed at unusual hours
or if TV sets, stereos, un-mounted tape decks, or auto parts are
involved.
Possible Significance: Stolen Property.
Other Unusual Situations
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Property in Homes, Private Garages, Storage Areas, etc. -
Suspicious if accumulations are large or otherwise unusual (such a
several TV sets in a garage) and if the items are in good
condition, but are not in use.
Possible Significance: Stolen property.
Property Carried by Persons on Foot - Normally not suspicious
unless at an usual hour or in an unusual place. Especially
questionable if the person is running. May be significant if the
property is not wrapped as if just purchased.
Possible Significance: Possible stolen property.
Property Being Removed From or Being Placed into Vehicles or
Buildings - Not suspicious unless unusual hour or places are
involved, for instance, from closed businesses or residences whose
owners are known to be absent.
Possible Significance: Burglary or theft in progress.
Open or Broken Doors or Windows - At closed businesses or
residences whose owners are temporarily absent.
Possible Significance: Burglary in progress or scene of completed
burglary.
Unusual Noises, etc. - Gunshots, screaming, sounds of combat,
abnormally barking dogs, anything suggestive of foul play, danger,
or illegal activity.
Call the police immediately!
Neighborhood Watch
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The Neighborhood Watch Program is the cornerstone of all
neighborhood crime prevention programs. To learn more about
establishing a Neighborhood Watch on your street, visit your local
government help office.
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