Home Security Tips

Having your home burglarized is a traumatic and frustrating experience, not to mention the loss of valuables and damage to property. You no longer feel secure in your own home. There are precautions you can take to lessen the chances of your home being entered unlawfully.

Check out this site:
https://www.safehome.org/resources/community-safety-guide/

Alarms

  • Alarms are a good deterrent and are recommended for all homes. Obtain estimates from several reliable alarm companies and find a system that fits your needs and finances. Once installed, you must register your alarm with the City and County of Honolulu. You can download the required from here.

Doors

  • Exterior door should be solid core wood or metal. 
  • Door hinges for all exterior doors should be on the interior or have non-removable pins. 

Door locks

  • Double deadbolt locks (keys on both sides) are the most secure type of locks for doors. Three inch screws should be used to secure the strike plate to the door frame. The deadbolt should extend at least one inch into the door frame. CAUTION: If you use a double deadbolt, make certain to have a key readily available in the event of an emergency. 

Peepholes

  • If you do not have a window near the front door, have a peephole installed. You should never open your door to strangers. If you do not recognize the person, ask him or her from behind the closed door what they want. If you feel something is not right, you are probably correct.  Call 9-1-1.

Sliding glass doors and windows

  • Sliding glass doors and windows can be lifted or pried off the tacks.  To prevent this, a wood bar or anti-lift plate can be easily installed to the upper track.
  • A Charlie Bar is a security device that can be placed in the lower track at the end of the sliding door or window to prevent it from being opened from the outside of the home. It is similar to placing a broom stick in the track.

Security surveillance systems

  • A security surveillance system is also a good deterrent. It may prevent a crime from occurring and assist in identifying the culprits if a crime is committed. Consider all the options available before making this decision. Place placards in and around your home warning everyone that the premises is being monitored by a security surveillance system. 
  • Even if you are unable to afford a security surveillance system, consider placing placards in and around your home warning everyone that the premise is being monitored by a security surveillance system. This alone may prevent a crime from occurring. 

Louvered windows

  • Keep louvered windows clean.
  • Glue the louvers into place with epoxy cement.
  • Ensure louvered windows are closed tightly when no one is home.
  • At night, keep the top set of louvers open for ventilation and keep the bottom set closed tightly. 

Trees and shrubbery

  • Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed low and away from doors and windows.

Walls and fences

  • Walls and fences add security to your property; however, it can also provide concealment to an intruder. Consider designing your wall or fence to allow the exterior area of you home to visible. 

Dogs

  • Dogs are a good deterrent. Most intruders will avoid a house with a dog.
  • Make certain to place “BEWARE OF DOG” signs on your property. 

Lighting

  • Adequate perimeter lighting is important. Areas around the doors and windows should be illuminated. 
  • Lights should be installed as high as possible to avoid tampering. 
  • Motion detectors with flood lights are recommended. 

Inventory your property

  • Document make, model, and serial numbers of your tools, electronic devices, and appliances and other similar property.
  • If these items do not have a serial number, consider marking it with an engraver. For more information, refer to Operation ID.
  • Take photographs of your jewelry.

Safes

  • Make certain your safe is bolted to the floor. 
  • Keep the combination to the safe a well kept secret. 
  • Safes with exposed hinges are more vulnerable.

Garage doors

  • Garage doors should be kept closed at all times. 
  • Doors leading to your garage should be considered exterior doors.
  • If you do not have a garage door, make certain to keep items in the garage secured and never leave valuables (tools, trimmers, etc.) in plain sight. 

Be proactive

  • Know your neighbors and their motor vehicles. 
  • Start a Neighborhood Security Watch. You can obtain more information here.