If reading this article feels a little like deja’vu, yes, you’ve already read it. We’re glad the message got to you. Our blog and the Messenger ads didn’t run as simoultaneously as they should have this month. There are a lot of moving parts in getting this information out to you so please pardon the mistake. We want to ensure that as many citizens as possible get the information, so bear with us as we get the Messenger graphic and the blog back in sync. We appreciate your patience.
In 2022, Webster County reported a total of 85 residential burglaries. Of those, 50 were commited during the day, while 35 occured at night. As mentioned last week, this is a crime of convienence. Most burglars don’t want to run the risk of dealing with an occupant so they take their opportunity during the day (usually between 10 AM and 3 PM) when they know that most homeowners or renters are at work.
So what are some steps you can take to protect your home and keep yourself from being victimized?
- Keep your alarm/security system armed and doors locked during these peak daytime hours.
- Park inside your garage with the door down at all times (even if you are only home for lunch). This will keep a would-be thief guessing as to the hours you keep. If they notice a car in the driveway during certain hours and not at others, they can easily learn your schedule.
- Pay attention to unfamiliar people or vehicles in your neighborhood especially during these hours. Log any information you can. Talk to your neighbors to see if they know who these people are. Report anything that raises concern among the neighborhood to the police.
- After making purchases of large valuable items, break down the boxes so you can fit them in your recycling cans or take them to the recycling center right away. Letting them sit outside of your home is advertising your possessions to those looking for things to steal.
- Avoid advertising on social media that you aren’t home. Wait to post vacation photos until you are home.
- Don’t post about expensive purchases online.
- Use a timer for things like televisions, radios, and lights so that it looks and sounds like you are home.
- If you are going to be gone for an extended time, either stop your mail or have a neighbor pick it up daily until you return. Same goes for any packages delivered while you are away.
- Dogs may not be a good of a deterrant as you think. Most criminals know that treats often work to gain a dog’s trust and quiet them down. However, a burglar WILL think twice about entering a home if they see a sign for a vicious dog.
- Even if you don’t have a security sign, post window sticker or yard signs advertising that you do. This will also make a burglar think twice before entering your home.
We hope this give you some ideas for keeping burglars out of your home. Next week we will be talking about how security systems are an even more effective tool for protecting your home from unwanted visitors.
