City of Olivette
Police Department
How to Prevent a Home
Burglary
- Invest in solid doors and good
quality locks on doors and windows. This includes on all sliding glass
doors as well. Make it not only difficult but also time consuming for a
burglar to gain entry..
- Whenever you go
outside, lock the door and take the key with you, even if you are just
stepping next door or out mowing the back yard.
- Don't put valuables where they
can be seen from the window, especially items that can be easily carried.
- Be sure your garage door can be
secured. Do not leave it open when you are away; an empty garage
broadcasts your absence.
- When you aren't home, use a
timer set to turn interior lights on and off at varying intervals as
though your home was still occupied.
- Don't keep large amounts of
cash or really valuable jewelry around the house.
- If someone comes to
your door asking to use the telephone, make the call yourself. Don't
invite them in.
- Don't hide a spare key under
the door mat or under a flower pot. Thieves know all the good hiding
places.
- Plant thorny bushes under all
windows. Trim back any trees or shrubs near doors and windows . to
eliminate hiding places for would-be thieves.
- Invest in a good security
system along with motion sensor lights installed out of reach
- Don't leave ladders outside.
Keep any tools that could be used to break in your home safely locked away
in a garage or shed.
- Get a barking dog or
"beware of dog" signs. If you own a dog and go out of town, have
someone come in and care for your dog in your home.
- Always double check doors at
night and lock all windows.
- Engrave all valuables such as
stereos, microwaves, video cameras, with your driver's license number.
(Engraving tools are usually available through your local law enforcement
agency. ) Videotape the contents of your home. Keep the video and the list
of all valuables in a safe place, such as a safety deposit box.
