Securing Your Home
Burglary is the crime most likely to affect people of any age. Burglars look for easy targets because most burglars are amateurs, not accomplished professionals. The amateur looks for opportunities to get valuables in the easiest possible way without being seen or heard.
The easier you make it for the burglar, the more likely you are of being burglarized. Discourage the thief by removing opportunity... by being prepared. By making it harder for the thief -- by increasing the time it takes to forcibly enter a house and by increasing the chances of being seen or heard -- crime can be discouraged.
Here are a few steps you can take to reduce the chances of your home or apartment being burglarized.
Locks
Amazingly, 30 to 50% of home and apartment burglaries happen because someone didn't lock a door or window. In the case of windows, often they were even left open. The practical advice which follows doesn't do any good if you don't learn to close and lock doors and windows as a matter of habit, even if you're going to be gone only for a few minutes.
Remember: a lock is not a lock unless you lock it.
Many homes and apartments, particularly modern ones, have locks burglars can open with relative ease. Make sure all exterior doors are equipped with good locks. Though there are many types of locks, most law enforcement experts suggest that residential doors should be equipped with one-inch deadbolt locks. This lock can be purchased from a local locksmith or hardware store, where any questions regarding its installation can also be answered.
An inside chain guard is no substitute for a proper lock. If you have difficulty identifying visitors without opening the door, a wide-angle peephole can be installed in the door. It is far better than a chain guard.
Doors and Casings
The best exterior door for a home or apartment is solid wood. Hollow-core doors are too fragile and should never be used for the exterior of a home or apartment. Your local crime prevention staff can evaluate your doors and make recommendations. There are ways of strengthening less-than-adequate doors at modest expense. For example, if a door has a large piece of glass in it, you can install a metal grill, or substitute unbreakable plastic.
A chain is only as good as its weakest link, so consider strengthening the casings around your exterior doors and the hinges that attach the door to the casing. Otherwise, a swift shove could open your door by breaking the hinges or the casing.
Remember that a side or back door, being less visible, may be subjected to a stronger attack than your front door. Good security is important for all exterior doors on every home and apartment.
Sliding glass doors in home and apartments are a particular security problem because they can be forced open easily. To prevent forced sliding, have special locks installed; or place a broomstick or piece of wood in the track and simply slip it out when you want to open the door from the inside; or mount a "Charley bar" which folds down from the side for the same purpose.
It's not difficult to pry these doors from their tracks. To prevent that, insert a couple of sheet metal screws through the upper track into the frame with their heads protruding far enough so that the door just clears.
Windows
Most windows come equipped with locks. Remember to lock windows, especially when leaving, even if only for a short time.
Because many window locks do not provide ideal security, it's a good idea to supplement them. Special locks are available to provide extra security for various types of windows. In addition, here are some inexpensive techniques:
For windows that slide sideways, use the same broomstick method described for sliding doors.
Install a wood block in the track of the window frame to prevent the window from being opened more than the few inches required for ventilation.
For traditional, double-hung windows, drill a small hole at a slight downward angle through the first sash and into but not through the second (back) sash, as illustrated below. Then slip a large nail into the hole.
Outside Your Home
Good visibility will discourage any potential burglar. Standard exterior lighting is important, and in some cases additional lighting may be required to ensure security, particularly at back or side doors.
Even landscaping may require some attention. Heavy landscaping can provide a welcome screen for an intruder. If entrances and the windows are hidden from view, additional pruning or transplanting may be necessary.
Don't leave "hidden" house keys nearby. Most hiding spots are well-known to burglars.
Make sure the mailbox is large enough to totally conceal mail, or better yet, install a slot in the door. Uncollected mail suggests no one is home.
Ladders should be kept inside to prevent use in reaching high windows.
Garages
In an attached garage, make sure the connecting entrance is secured as tightly as the front door. A door from the garage into the house is often the easiest point of entry for a burglar. A solid door with a one-inch deadbolt lock should be used.
Apartments
Persons living in apartments or retirement facilities may not be able to implement some of these suggestions themselves. However, talk to the manager about a specific plan to upgrade security in your building.
It probably will be more effective to approach the manager with other tenants together with a representative from the police department. Official security standards have been adopted in some areas and should be of assistance.
When You're Away
During extended vacations, overnight trips or short walks, make sure your home looks lived-in.
Try to keep your garage door closed at all times so no one can see when your car is away or what items you have in the garage.
Either purchase an automatic timer or recruit a trusted neighbor to turn lights on at dusk and off at your usual bedtime. Vary the lights to be turned on and occasionally have the radio turned on.
Ask a neighbor to close your drapes at night and pick up your newspaper and mail. Never tell your newspaper deliverer that you will be gone. Cancel your paper rather than entering a "vacation stop."
For longer absences, ask your local law enforcement agency to keep an eye on your place. This is another free police service.
If you are associated with a group tour, see that your travel plans are not announced by the news media.
Get Help
Several counties have funds available to help older persons upgrade their security. Check with your local sheriff for further information on obtaining assistance.