Olde Sawmill Civic Association

Prevention is key to home security.

Oct 02, 2000

By ROB WAYNE
President, OSCA

I?’ve received several calls over the past year from distressed residents who have had something stolen from their properties. While I certainly have empathy and compassion for someone who has lost something of value (it?’s happened to me and I know how one feels), there is nothing OSCA can do after the fact, as much as I would like to track the perpetrator and prosecute them. The answer lies in basic action taken beforehand to discourage thieves or intruders.
Most instances in Olde Sawmill are not serious burglaries, although one did occur on my street. Rather, most of the situations I?’m aware of involve the loss of decorative items from a porch or patio. One misconception is that homes in suburban areas are not subject to burglary or theft to the degree of those in urban neighborhoods. That is simply not the case. Often homes surrounded by trees, or removed from neighboring dwellings are more attractive to thieves, because they can enter and not be seen. Trim shrubs and trees back so that entryways are visible.
Fortunately it doesn?’t require a huge investment to secure your home from intrusion. Common sense and basic precautions can go along way toward home security. Again, intruders do not want to be seen, so make sure that your front and back yards are lit, as well as porches. Use timers to make it appear someone is home at all times. Most of the instances brought to my attention likely occurred very late at night?— 2 to 4 AM. But don?’t assume that all thefts occur then; experts say about 40% happen during the day.
Don?’t leave keys hidden outside your home. Most thieves are smart and will go for the place you think is a clever hiding spot. Leave extra keys with a neighbor or friend. Don?’t leave your garage door open as this is an easy target. When you leave, even for a short time, lock your doors and make sure your windows are locked at all times. Traditional crescent locks are easily jimmied so it is recommended to get key-locking sash locks or pinning devices instead. Install dead bolt locks that extend at least one and a half inches into the doorframe. Glass doors can be covered with polycarbonate glazing material and fitted with double-cylinder dead bolts to make them more secure.
Furniture or decorative items on porches or patios could be secured with a chain. One sure invitation is to allow mail or papers to accumulate on your porch when you?’re gone. Install a slot in your front door for mail, arrange to hold mail at the post office or have a neighbor pick it up for you.
And finally, if you do see someone suspicious in the neighborhood, report him or her immediately to the police. By taking basic steps like these, loss of items of real or sentimental value can be avoided.