Keep your doors and windows locked.
Too often, criminals get into homes through unlocked doors
and windows.
Consider installing solid core entry
doors with reinforced door frames and dead bolt locks.
Identify a "safe room" inside
the home where residents can go in an emergency. This
room should have reinforced doors, an exit to the outside
and a telephone.
Always verify by telephone that the
person works for the company they say they represent and
has been sent for a reason. A peephole with a 180 degree
viewing angle is excellent for you to verify who is on
the other side of your door.
Never open your door to anyone you do
not know. Exterior lighting provides additional protection
from intruders. Remember that criminals may hide in shadows.
Always acknowledge a caller at your
door to determine who they are and what they want. Some
burglars ring the door bell, and if there is no answer,
they break in.
Have family discussions to prepare all
members of your family to become thoroughly familiar with
your home safety plan. Mentally review as often as possible
the actions you must perform if confronted with an emergency.
The plan should become "second nature" to you.
Be Informed -- Be Prepared.
Home Robbery Tips / After the Robbery
Call the police immediately after the
robbery. The person who calls the police should be able
to stay on the phone if the dispatcher requests.
Lock all doors and ask all witnesses to
remain until the officers arrive. If a witness must leave,
obtain his or her name, address and telephone number.
All witnesses should write down a description
of all the suspects. Do not discuss the robbery or compare
notes about the robber's appearance with anyone.
Protect the crime scene. Do not touch anything.
If the robbers touched anything while in
your house, please do not allow anyone to handle it, if
needed, put in a safe place to give to police. This may
be an important piece of evidence.
