Metuchen Police Officers Nancy Phibbs and Kenneth Bauer presented information on how to protect yourself against property crime at the December 18th Neighborhood Watch meeting. Here is the valuable advice they shared:
At Home:
§ Secure all entrances at night when leaving, including cellar doors and windows. Consider installing metal gates or rolling shutters over windows and patio doors.
§ Store ladders inside. Do not leave them loose outside. If you cannot put them safely inside, lock them securely
§ Do not give out information to strangers on the telephone. On wrong numbers, do not tell the caller your number. Report continued wrong numbers to the phone company.
§ Report broken street lights in your neighborhood. Well-lit areas discourage burglars by taking away hiding places.
§ Be alert for unusual activities. If you see an unknown person loitering in or around a neighbor's yard, don't be afraid to check his or her identity with your neighbor by phone.
§ Remember: people on legitimate business will be glad to show identification.
§ Report any suspicious actions, sounds or strangers to the police.
§ Start a "buddy system" with your neighbors in order to watch each other's homes. Watch for unexpected "movers" and "repair people" at a house where no one is home.
Locks:
§ Use good safe locks on all doors. Use auxiliary deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Deadbolt locks with at least a one-inch throw, or rim locks, are the most secure. Spring-latch units with the lock in the knob are a poor risk for everyone but the burglar.
§ Sliding glass doors can offer easy access if they are not secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or putting a broomstick or dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
§ Lock double-hung windows with key locks or "pin" windows by drilling a small hole into a 45 degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail that can be removed. Secure basement windows with a grille or grates
Doors:
§ All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
§ If your doors don't fit tightly in their frames, install weather stripping around them.
§ Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door. Door chains break easily and do not keep out intruders.
Keys:
§ Do not leave house and car keys together with attendants at parking lots. Your house keys can be quickly duplicated and your address obtained from your license plate number.
§ Do not hide keys outside the door under mats, in flower pots, over moldings, etc. If you hide it, a burglar can find it. If you want an extra key nearby, leave one with a trusted neighbor.
Lighting:
§ Outside of locking doors, good exterior and interior lighting is the single most cost effective deterrent to burglars. If a burglar can't be seen, he won't be caught.
§ When leaving for an evening, leave at least one light on in the house. Don't pull shades or leave notes indicating when you will return. Close garage doors.
Outside:
§ Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery so it does not hide doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that a thief could use to climb to an upper-level window.
§ Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
§ Do not allow your mail to pile up! Call the post office to stop delivery or have a neighbor pick it up.
Vacations:
§ Notify the Metuchen Police Department of the time you are leaving and when you expect to return. Police may able to keep a watch on your home.
§ Put a light or lights on a timer for automatic turn-on at night.
§ Check all doors and windows to make sure they are locked.
§ Have a neighbor check your home occasionally. Be sure to let the neighbor know where you will be.
Alarms:
§ Check with several companies before you buy so you can decide what level of security fits your needs. Do business with an established company and check references before signing a contract.
§ Learn how to use your system properly! Don't "cry wolf" by setting off false alarms. People will stop paying attention and you will probably be fined.
Protecting your Vehicle:
A car is stolen every 33 seconds in the United States
§ Park all vehicles in garages and driveways.
§ Do not leave valuables inside vehicle or in plain view. Criminals will break in just to take loose change, iPods, GPS devices, cameras and identification.
§ Make sure all vehicles are locked, windows rolled up and alarm systems activated
At The Wheel:
§ While driving, watch out at intersection and stop lights. These are favorite spots for troublemakers. Keep your car in gear. If you feel threatened, blow the horn and drive away.
§ Keep doors locked at all times.
§ Keep windows rolled up.
§ Keep valuables out of sight.
§ Park in areas that are well-it when you return.
§ When you return to your car make sure no one is hiding in the car or nearby.
Walking:
§ Walk confidently. Know where you are going. If you do not, go to a store or business and ask directions.
§ Walk with someone. If you have some company you are much safer.
§ Well-lit areas are the safest. Avoid shortcuts through parks, alley, etc. They could mean trouble.
§ Protect valuables. Hold purses and briefcases close to your body. Do not set them down anywhere.
§ Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
§ If someone is following you on foot, cross the street, vary your pace, change direction. Go up a one-way street. If the person persists, jot down the car's license number and call the police.
§ Be suspicious. Keep looking back. It lets the person following you know that you cannot be taken by surprise.
Can't agree more about making sure your house number is clearly displayed. All that's necessary is a decent sized number on a contrasting background. Also make sure others on the street do the same - it's far easier to find an address when following a progreesion.