Great Tips from Hamilton Police on how to avoid a break and enter. Recently, Hamilton Police responded to a number of overnight residential break and enters where the homes were insecure; windows and doors not locked. During summer months it can be a common practice to leave windows and doors open for ventilation, but this significantly increases the opportunity for the burglar. Most criminals who commit break and enters are looking for homes that provide opportunity of being broken into quickly, where they can steal valuables and leave without being detected. Once a thief has selected a home they often spend less than five minutes inside. This can occur while residents are in the home or in the backyard; day or night. There is no guaranteed way to keep out a thief, but every little bit of deterrence helps. The Hamilton Police Service is suggesting some simple steps that can help prevent a break and enter to your home. • Be mindful of your security habits. Lock all accessible windows and doors when going out, even for short trips. Window and door screens do not stop criminals. • Protect yourself by ensuring all residential windows and doors are locked EVEN when you are outside in your backyard or inside your house. • Limit the size of accessible window openings if they are being used for ventilation at night. You can do this, by installing a securable window stop. • Never store ladders on the exterior of your house as this can provide access to windows that are otherwise inaccessible. • Consider adding motion activated lights, trimming up trees, trimming back bushes or altering fencing so that intruders can be kept under observation. • Please keep your motor vehicle locked and all valuables removed from within and always remember to remove your electronic garage door opener. • Report suspicious persons or activities in your neighbourhood to police immediately or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. The Hamilton Police Service Auxiliary Branch provides free home security audits. Safeguard audits not only serve to educate home owners against potential break and enters, but also provide “target hardening” recommendations which may protect home owners against crime. To receive a free residential security audit contact the Hamilton Police Service Auxiliary Branch at 905-546-4900.
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 23:14:02 +0000
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