Crime Prevention

Home Security:

Before you make security improvements, identify those entry points most likely to be used by a burglar. You can do this by answering the following questions:

• Which entrances are hidden/out of view from my neighbors?
• If I am locked out of my house, where could I get in without too much difficulty?

Every door/window you list in response to these questions should be a number one priority. Other security improvements should follow, keeping in mind that your goal is to make it difficult for a burglar by forcing them to take more time and to make more noise!

• Exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand excessive force.
• All exterior doors should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw.
• All strike plates and frames for exterior doors should be anchored to the home's main construction.
• All exterior doors should fit snugly against the frame and all frames should be free of warping, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear.
• The main entrance door should have a doorwide-angle (180 degree)viewer/peephole.
• Sliding glass doors and windows should be secure against forcing the locks or from being lifted completely out of the frame.
• High-risk windows (basement, garage, ground-level, partially or totally secluded, latched, etc.) should be secured sufficiently enough to discourage or impede possible intrusion.
• Double-hung windows should be secured with pins or extra locks to discourage prying.
• Trees and shrubs should be trimmed to allow visibility along the perimeter (particularly entries) of the house.
• Timers (both interior and exterior) should be installed to activate lights in your absence.
• All entrances (doors and windows) to your home should be well lit at night.
• Your address should be posted on your house and be clearly visible from the street both night and day.

Security improvements should not be made at the expense of fire safety! Remember to allow at least one door or window per room as a fire escape - meaning that exit via the door/window can be made quickly and easily. There should also be fire escape routes established for your household. Family members should know where these are and they should be practiced periodically, especially if there are young children at home. --Seattle PD

• Park in a well-lighted area
• Close all windows, lock all doors
• Activate any theft deterrent device you may have
• Put packages or valuable out of sight: CB radios, tape and cassette decks and other expensive items in full view invite theft.
• If you park in a commercial lot or garage, leave only the ignition key with the attendant.
• Do not keep license, registration or title in car. If left in car, thieves can use these documents to sell your car if stolen, or to impersonate you when they are challenged by police. Owners who indiscriminately leave keys, registrations and other identifiable material in their vehicles may return to their residence only to find that they are the victims of a burglary.
• If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and the garage.