Don't welcome a burglar into your home. Most residential burglars devote little if any time to the advance planning of any specific break-in. Their crimes are, for the most part, crime or 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 occur.
The first step in improving overall security is to take a hard look at the security measures already in use in your home. To help you with this task, the Police Department has developed a Home Security Assessment. Conducting a security assessment in important. Go through the test carefully. Look at your house at night as well as in the daytime. Remember, the test points out security weaknesses around your home. Your home cannot be adequately protected until these weaknesses are corrected.
Landscaping And Yard Security
A few alterations to your landscaping can be enough to put off potential offenders. 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 three (3) feet.
- Ground plants located 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 seven (7) 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. These can be used by the burglar to break glass.
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
Street number 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 make sure that color of numbers contrasts with background color. Numbers should be at least three (3) inches high. Try to avoid using numbers written in script. These are difficult to read from the street.
- 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.
Limited or Direct Access to Yards and Store Rooms
Intruders look for no, or few obstacles blocking quick exits. Fences prevent burglars from carrying away large items if the gates are locked. Gate should be lock at all times, even when you are home.
Ladders and tools should be stored in a garage or storage shed, and these areas should be locked.
Landscaping should be 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
It is know fact, that good lighting is a deterrent to crime. While any lighting will help reduce your risk of becoming a burglary 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 be 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.
A style of light that is used on the exterior is a motion detector type of fixture. The advantage to this type of light, especially in the back yard, 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 in 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, for the criminal, these lights are a signal that no one is home. If you go out for an evening leave several lights on, and radio. When you go on vacation put at least two lights, in different parts of the house, and a radio on timers. 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.
House And Garage Doors
Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4" inches thick) or metal wrapped. Your door should fit it's frame tightly, with no more than 1/8" inch clearance between the door and the frame. If the gap is too big, replace the door or bolt with a sturdy metal strip to the door edge. You will boost our 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.
Locks, Strike Plates, And Hinges
Locks/Deadbolts
The "lock-in-knob" offers you privacy and convenience but it does not offer sufficient 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 adequate 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 one (1") inch into the front edge of the door.
- The strike plate is attached through the trim to the door frame with screws at least three (3") inches 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 Deadbolt Locks
Single Cylinder Deadbolt Locks 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 easily by breaking the window and reaching through. This type of deadbolt lock does not prevent the burglar, once inside, from taking your property out through the door.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt Locks Utilize keys on both sides of the lock. This type of lock should be considered if there is glass window within 40" inches (arms reach) 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 you home. If this lock is used, make sure the key is not left in the inside part of the lock. All members (adults and children) of the house need to know where the key is kept and also how to use it in order to get out of the house.
Keys Control
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 delivery 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 house.
Strike Plates
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 four (4) screws that are a minimum of three (3") inches long.
Hinges
Hinges are often installed with the same 3/4" inch screws as the common strike plates. Replace these with three (3") inch fully threaded screws so the hinges are anchored to the subframe.
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 being lifted out.
Arcadian Doors And Sliding Glass Windows
People often install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave arcadian (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, arcadian doors and windows are more secluded than a front door, making a perfect place for burglars to hide and enter. The two factors to be protected against are:
Prying the lock
Most arcadian doors and sliding windows come equipped with a lock that is easily pried open. A supplemental lock should be installed.
Broomsticks, charlie bars (both should fit snug), 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 lock may be keyed alike with other entry lock sets and deadbolt locks. Check with your locksmith or hardware store and select a sturdy type that most suits your home.
Lifting Out
Many arcadian 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 windows will just clear underneath them as you slide the window.
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 cannot. Be careful when you drill. If you drill too close to the glass, you could possibly break it.
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. Again, be careful when you drill. If you drill too close to the glass, you could possibly break it. If you pin your windows, make sure that pins can easily be removed and that all people (adults and children) living in the house can reach and remove them.
Security Systems
Do you keep extremely valuable or sentimental property/possessions in your house? Do you often leave your house unattended for more than a few hours everyday, or do you want more protection and peace of mind? These can be some reasons to invest in an alarm system.
The FBI has announced that over a ten year period, an average of one (1) of every four (4) residences throughout the United States will be burglarized.
Many quality alarm systems are available on the market. Before you purchase a security system, you should have in mind what kind of system you want. This will prevent buying more equipment than 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. We recommend that you speak to at least three security companies about their product and service prior to purchasing any alarm system.
Choosing Your System
- 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?
- Have I done other security prevention things first that may make buying a alarm system unnecessary?
- Have I done a home security assessment of my own home first before deciding on a buying an alarm system?
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 may fall 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 if the company has been established for three to five years.
- Ask if it is going to be monitored locally or outside of the state of Louisiana.
- Be sure the company does the entire installation and does not subcontract work out.
The Tulane University Medical Center Police Department does not prefer one alarm company over another nor do they recommend companies, brands, or types of security devices of any kind.
Other Home Security Information
Home Inventory List
Keep a "Personal Property Inventory List" in a safe place (fire proof safe, safe deposit). This may help you recover stolen property in the event of a theft of burglary. This helps to recover stolen in the event of a theft of burglary.
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, and end table, and a portion of your carpet in our front room, the accurate listing of when and how much you 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 and serial numbers, size, color, and 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 a special number or code that you will remember easily. It is not recommended that you use your social security number. Always start your personal number with the two letter abbreviation of the state that you reside in. For example, you may use, "LA123ABC". To aid you in marking your valuables the Tulane University Medical Center Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit loans out electric engravers to citizens. Call the Crime Prevention Unit at 988-5531 for more information.
Safety Tips at Home
- If you are bothered by obscene or threatening phone calls, hang up immediately then call the police non-emergency number (988-5531) to report it.
- Always be observant of your surroundings. Would be offenders look for that unsuspecting victim.
- If you live alone don't use your marital status or first name on your telephone listing or on your mail box.
- Get to know your neighbors. They are your single best means of safety and security when it comes to looking out for your property.
- 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 a police or fire station, or an open business. If you go to a business, call the police from there to advise them what is happening.
- Park your car in well lighted areas. Lock the doors and take the keys with you.
- If you think a prowler is outside, take no direct action yourself. Lock all doors and windows and call the police immediately by dialing 911.
Do's
- Use the security devices you have, ie. lights, locks, etc.
- Leave lights on inside and out when you go out for the evening.
- Have all emergency (police, fire, medical, poison, work) phone numbers next to your phone.
- (Women) Carry only what is absolutely necessary in your purse. If you can avoid it at all, do not carry one. Carry money and credit cards in front pants pockets.
- Check with the manager before letting repair personnel into your apartment.
- Close your drapes/blinds in the evening hours.
- Be suspicious of people loitering around your house, apartment complex, or the parking lot. Trust you instincts.
- If it seems suspicious, strange, or peculiar call the police.
Don'ts
- Don't keep large sums of money in your home. If you do, keep it in a locked fire proof safe.
- Don't carry large sums of money while you are out.
- Don't let strangers in to use your telephone. Have them wait outside and you make the call.
- Don't undress in front of open windows.
- Don't leave notes on your door.
- Don't hide a key outside near the door. Leave one with a trusted neighbors.
- Don't display expensive equipment (computers, stereo systems, etc.) or items in plain view through your window.
- Don't use your name or telephone number on your answering machine, and do not state that "We are not home now".
- Don't answer personal questions on telephone surveys.
- Don't admit service representatives from utilities unless you have an appointment or can verify their authenticity.
