Honesdale PA State Police Issue Burglary Prevention Tips

The WayneIndependent reports that due to a higher degree of burglaries that citizens should be proactive and protect their properties.

Here is an abridged version of their safety tips with my spin:

Walking in on a burglary?

DO NOT ENTER — a trapped burglar is dangerous. DON’T try to capture him yourself.

Call the police immediately. Always protect the scene — vital evidence may be destroyed needlessly.

If the burglar is caught, testify against him.

Doors/Windows

Lock your windows and restrict the opening to a maximum of four inches. Make sure your basement windows are outfitted so entry through them is prevented.

Equip your exterior doors with good locks. If you don’t have a solid core door install a double-cylinder, dead-bolt lock which requires a key both inside and out. Make sure this is allowed by fire officials.

DON’T leave door keys in mail chutes, under doormats or on top of door frames

While gone for and extended time

Stop deliveries and have a dependable neighbor clear your porch of all items.

Arrange to have your immediate neighbor watch your house while you are away. Leave a key with them and a telephone number where you can be reached in an emergency.

Garages

Keep your garage locked. Remove the keys from your garaged automobiles. Close your garage door each time you leave, even though you may be gone for only a short time.

Consider unplugging the electric opener.

Lighting

Install approved, automatic timers. These can be set to turn on a light in your home at a time when are expected to be on. It will also turn off the light at your normal retirement hour.

A constant light in a room which cannot be looked into from the outside, such as a bathroom, is a good idea.

Robert Siciliano personal and home security specialist to Home Security Source discussing ADT Pulse™ on Fox News.