Residential Security

Our home is our castle!

Years ago, some people lived in large castles surrounded by moats filled with water. The castles were built with high walls made of stone, and a drawbridge to help prevent unwanted access. They had watch towers with armed guards around the clock. While we do not have the luxury of moats, high walls, a drawbridge, or armed security, there are many options available to help ward off a criminal attack.

You may have noticed, the above mentioned castles had their security layered: first you had to cross the moat, then you had to climb a wall, then you had to battle the guards. Similarly, a layered security system is available to us today. Consisting of solid doors, alarms, and other features, this layered security system causes a burglar to battle his two most deadly enemies, time and attention. The more time a burglar takes, the greater his chance of either getting caught, or just giving up his effort altogether.

Here is a list of preventative steps you can take to make your home a little more secure:

Layer #1

  • Start a neighborhood watch. Report suspicious activity in the area to the police.
  • Get to know your neighbors and them you. Burglaries can happen next door.
  • Make sure the residence is visible from the street day and night. Numbers should be clearly marked on the house (near or on the front door) and on the curb near the edge of the driveway.
  • Replace door locks when first moving in or when you lose your keys.
  • Do not attach you name or address to your keys
  • Do not leave a message on your answering machine that no one is home or that you live alone. Instead, have the message state, "...we can not come to the phone right now..."
  • Only list your last name on the mailbox.
  • Place a sign in your front yard indicating the presence of an alarm system, even if you do not have an alarm system.

Layer #2

  • Install security lights with motion sensors.
  • Make sure dark areas and entryways are well lit and and can been seen by your neighbors
  • Make sure all gates are locked if you have a fence.
  • Do not allow shrubs to hide doors or windows, providing concealment for burglars. You can plant rosebushes or other pricker bushes in front of easily accessible windows/entryways.
  • Do not leave exterior lights on during the day. Is is a sure sign that no one is home and not planning to be home for a while.
  • Do not leave keys under door mats. If you feel you need to leave a key outside, make sure that is well hidden in a place that no one would know to look.

Layer #3

  • Make sure doors and windows are installed correctly. Door hinges should not be exposed to the exterior where someone could remove the hinges.
  • Safety-coat glass on doors and windows. This keeps the glass from shattering. Opaque coating will make it difficult to peek inside.
  • Keep all exterior doors and windows locked, even if you are at home. Burglaries have been known to happen while the unsuspecting homeowner works in his basement or yard.
  • Install window stops to keep them from opening to the point where a person can slip through.
  • Make sure exterior doors are of solid construction. Do not use dog doors.
  • Make sure each exterior door has a good deadbolt that requires a key on both sides. Keep the key out of the deadbolt, but near the door for easy escape.
  • Keep in mind that most back doors have lots of glass and are out of view. This makes it easy for an intruder to break the glass and unlock the door; especially if a key is left in the door.
  • Treat inside garage doors the same as exterior doors; keeping them locked at all times. Burglars know that most people leave these doors unlocked.
  • Enhance the locks on sliding glass doors by placing a dowel in the track. Make sure the dowel is no more than one-quarter inch shorter than the track.
  • Do not leave a note on the door that no one is home or the door is unlocked. Most people do this because they know that they will not be away for long. However, most burglars are in and out in less than fifteen minutes.
  • Install a peephole in the front door and communicate through an intercom if available. Do not answer the door if you can not determine who it is.
  • Be wary of solicitors. Burglars will knock on the door to see if anyone is home. If someone answers, he will make up an excuse for his presence.
  • Never tell an alarm salesman that you are not interested in owning an alarm. Instead, tell him that you already have one.

Layer #4

  • Get an alarm system with motion sensors. Have the monitored by an alarm company (who will notify the police on activation) and also emit an audible signal that your neighbors will hear. Do not use the alarm as a supplement to locks. Alarm systems were meant to enhance security in addition to locks. They were not designed to replace them.
  • Consider buying a dog. Even a small dog can distract a potential burglar.
  • Keep a list of all your valuables and their make model and serial numbers. Engrave all of them with a consistent personal identification mark. Do not use social security numbers, birthdays etc.
  • Create a "safe room" in your residence and have a telephone, battery-operated radio, and water in there. It can be used as a refuge if someone breaks in while you are home, or it can be used for shelter during violent weather.

Apartment Layer

  • Be cautious when entering an elevator. If there is someone suspicious in there, wait for the next one.
  • Have management change assigned parking space numbers that match the apartment numbers. It is an indicator of whether or not you are at home.
  • Make sure all entrances, walkways, and stairwells are well lit. If they are not, continue to report them to management until they are fixed. Lightbulbs should be protected against damage or easy removal.
  • Be sure lobby or security doors are kept closed and locked at all times.
  • Do not "buzz" anyone into the building that you do not know.
  • Report all strangers loitering in and around your apartment building to the police and management.
  • Do not let papers accumulate outside of your apartment door.
  • If you are going to use a common laundry room, do not use it alone, especially at night. Use a buddy system.

Vacation Layer

  • Be sure to put lights on timers set for intermittent times. TV's, radios, and other commonly used electronic devices can also be put on timers.
  • Have a trustworthy neighbor or family member pick up the mail while you are away. If this is not possible you can contact the post office to stop delivery for those dates.
  • Be sure to cancel or stop all other deliveries. A stack of newspapers in front of the door, or in the driveway, is a sure sign you are away.

If you come home and suspect that a burglary has occurred, call 911 immediately! Use a cell phone or neighbor's phone. Do not go inside, the burglar could still be in there.

The Garden City Police Department offers residents a free security survey of their home. Please contact us today for your free home security evaluation.

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