Tiffin Police Department has reported an increase in burglaries and home invasions lately. In some cases, entry to a residence is gained through an unlocked door or window.
FBI statistics show in about six of every 10 completed burglaries, entry is gained through unlocked doors or windows. That means odds are great a resident can turn a burglary into an attempted burglary simply by locking exterior doors and windows.
The Burglary Prevention Council's top tip to prevent a burglary calls for keeping all doors, windows, pet entrances and garage doors closed and securely fastened. Doors should have deadbolt locks with at least a 1-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with 3-inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
The council also recommends residents secure a sliding glass door by placing a metal rod or wooden dowel in the track.
Some other tips:
Make sure exterior lights are mounted out of reach, so burglars can't easily unscrew bulbs.
Consider buying motion-sensitive lights, which are available at relatively low prices.
Use a variable timer to activate lights inside your home.
If you can afford it, install an alarm system that will alert neighbors of a burglar's presence. Most systems also summon law enforcement officers.
Be sure valuables such as guns, electronic devices and artwork are not visible from the street. A laptop or tablet computer visible from, and near, a window could be stolen by a thief who wouldn't even set foot in your home.
Remember, hiding valuables and securing doors and windows are two easy steps to reducing the likelihood of a burglary.
