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.
- 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.
|
|