Residential Security Checklist

Your home is your castle. You can help decrease the likelihood of your home being burglarized by making it more difficult for burglars to get in, and therefore, a less desirable target. Here are a few simple, cost-effective recommendations that you can do yourself that are cheaper than building a moat!

• Burglars/criminals don’t want to be seen committing their crimes! Make sure all of your exterior lights (porch, flood, carriage, drive, landscape, etc.) are adequate and fully operational. Check all the bulbs and replace them if needed. Whenever possible, illuminate your home at night, and/or set your exterior lights on a timer/motion detector when you are away.
• Maintain landscaping and keep your yard, trees, plants and shrubs, etc. trimmed. Follow the 3/8 rule, based on CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design) principles. Plants and shrubs should be kept no higher than 3 feet. Tree canopies should be no lower than 8 feet. This will create a window of visibility so you can see what’s happening outside your neighbors’ homes and they can see what’s happening outside of yours!
• Secure your residence! Never leave doors, windows, or sliders unlocked or open when you’re not at home. Even if it’s only for a moment! If equipped, utilize your home’s security/alarm system whenever possible. Have your security/alarm system checked regularly, to be sure that it’s working properly. You can also add secondary locks/pins to doors, windows, and sliders for additional security. Don’t ever leave garage doors open overnight.
• Participate in Operation ID. Make a list of your valuables and keep it in a secure location. The list should contain all your valuables, electronics, jewelry, etc. by listing each item, its make/model, serial number, and approximate worth. Document items, such as jewelry, that don’t have a serial or otherwise owner applied number by taking pictures of them.  The list of recorded information and photographs can then be used for   identification purposes in the event of theft.