Be proactive in discouraging burglars

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TheBuzz

By Marlene Bohr

Usually summertime is when the majority of people with children in school take their vacations, but many plan for later in the year. It is usually cooler in the latter months of the year than mid-summer. Make a list of things you need to do before you go on vacation to secure your house and property. First off is to let trusted neighbors know when you will be leaving and when you will return so they can keep a vigilant eye on things. Call your local law enforcement and let them know and ask they drive by and check your house frequently. Leave your cell phone number with people that need to get in touch with you. 
Do not post on Facebook that you are going to be gone. I know it’s nice to post pictures from vacation spots, but it might be better to put that off until you are home. 
There are more than 1.2 million burglaries reported to law enforcement authorities monthly. These burglaries account for 21 percent of property crimes in the United States. On an average, reports say that one burglary results in a financial loss of $1,725. Not only are items stolen, but there is a cost to fix damaged doors and windows that are broken when the burglar enters. 
Morris County Sheriff Jack Martin says most of these crimes are preventable and that with a small amount of preparation, people can thwart would-be burglars. In nearly half of all residential burglaries, thieves enter through unlocked doors or windows. Make sure you lock every door and window every time you leave your home. Many of us lock our residences even when we are home. If I go out to work in my back yard, my front doors are always locked.
 It is reported that 94 percent of successful burglars enter through the ground floor. With that in mind, make sure those areas on the ground floor are as secure as possible. Things to consider installing include flood lights on every entry door, dead-bolts on every entry door and peep holes on every entry door.
Burglars prefer to target residences that are unoccupied so try and create the illusion that you are home. Some things you can do are set interior lights, televisions and stereos on timers. If you have a second vehicle you can leave at home, put it outside in plain sight. Alert the post office you are going away and have them hold your mail. If you have a newspaper thrown, ask the newspaper to stop while you are gone, or ask a trusted neighbor to pick it up. Mail and newspapers piling up are a giveaway that you are not home.
 
To continue reading this article purchase the July 31st edition of The Steel Country Bee or go to our online e-edition at: http://www.etypeservices.com/Daingerfield%20BeeID312/default.aspx
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