Locking your windows and doors, and installing high-quality security locks and exterior lighting, are the easiest and most cost-effective ways to prevent burglary.

Call 911 for any suspicious activity!

• Use solid or metal exterior doors that are properly installed. Never use interior doors, which are not as strong as exterior doors.
• Anchor the strike plate to the framing of the house by using 3” long screws.
• Install weather stripping around your doors if the doors do not fit tightly.
• Equip every exterior door with a deadbolt lock (key-in-the-knob locks, by themselves, are insufficient), and engage both the knob and deadbolt locks every time you leave your home.
• Use a blocking device on all sliding windows and doors (a broomstick or dowel placed in the inside track is sufficient).
• Never hide a key outside of your home.  Leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor.
• Always leave a light on when you are not home.
• Consider purchasing an alarm system.
• Increase exterior lighting and use motion lights and/or timers.
• Pick up trash from your yard and alleyways, and collect newspapers and mail daily. If you go on vacation, have a trusted neighbor or friend do this for you.
• Use “Beware of Dog” or “Alarm” decals to deter suspects from entering your home.
• Trim trees, bushes, and other landscaping to ensure windows and doors are not blocked and criminals cannot use them for concealment.
• Use safes to store valuables and ALWAYS keep a record of your serial numbers.
• Whenever you move into a new home or apartment, always change the locks.