Full Notification

The holidays are right around the corner and we'd like you to know that our holiday burglary suppression efforts have begun. Our stepped-up burglary suppression detail will run through the holidays.

Although we've set up a burglary suppression detail to curtail residential and auto burglaries, we still need your help. We ask that you be vigilant, protect your valuables, and if you see something suspicious in your neighborhood please call 911.

Last week we sent out auto burglary prevention tips, we hope that you took the time to review those. Today’s prevention tips focus on home burglaries. It's often the simplest precautions that homeowners tend to forget that burglars tend to exploit. Let's work together on making sure your home and valuables are safe from thieves.   

Here are some simple tips to help reduce your risk of a home burglary:

•Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
•Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
•Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
•Keep your garage door closed and locked.
•Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
•Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
•Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
•Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
•Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
•Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

Don't Tempt a Thief:

•Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight
•Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
•Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
•Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”

Alarms:

•An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
•If you have a home alarm system, use it! Activate your alarm system. Alarm systems are only useful when you remember to activate them.
•Many individuals have alarm systems but do not arm them because it is inconvenient. Many burglars know this and will not be deterred by a window sticker or sign indicating that the home has an alarm system.

If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

•Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.
•Use a neighbor's phone to call 911.
•Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
•Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
•Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.

Other precautions you should take:

•Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places, burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
•Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.
•Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately.
•Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. We can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary. If you’re interested in more information on this, you may contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 408-730-7140 for further information.

Remember that the holidays can bring out many thieves that are out looking for crimes of opportunity. Always be vigilant and follow these home burglary prevention tips to help reduce your chance of being a victim. Also, be a good neighbor and if you see something suspicious in your neighborhood say something by calling 911.

Please share these tips with your neighbors who may not have access to the internet. Stay safe and vigilant and remember that if you need us we're a phone call away.