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Burglars usually stay away from homes that have
lots of light and sound
coming from them. Burglars look for 3 basic things when choosing
their target.
| They look for: |
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1) |
an empty house |
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2) |
an easy way in |
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3) |
and a way to hide or conceal their activities |
So--don’t provide these basic things and you’ll
reduce your chances of being the target of a burglar.
Here are some ways to do that.
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Put locks on all doors and windows and USE them all the
time. (You don’t want to confront a burglar and a burglar
doesn’t want to confront you. Don’t let anyone surprise you
in your own home.) |
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Exterior doors should be metal or solid 1-3/4" hardwood. |
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Always re-key or replace all locks when first moving
in, even if it’s newly constructed. |
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Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available
bars or locks, or place a wooden dowel or broomstick in door
track. |
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Secure window air conditioners to prevent removal from
the outside. |
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Don’t hide a key outside--if you can find it, so can
someone else. Instead leave an extra key with a trusted friend
or relative. |
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Determine who is at the door BEFORE you open it. Use
a peep hole, or speak to the person through a closed &
locked door--door chains can be broken. |
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NEVER open door to strangers. If there is an "emergency",
offer to make a call for them. Do not let them in your house. |
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Teach children NEVER to answer door, but to come and
get you if they hear someone at t he door. Install door
latches above their reach to be sure. |
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Exterior Lighting - all possible entrances should be
well lighted. |
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Install outdoor lighting with motion detectors and/or
light sensors. |
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Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors or windows. |
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Keep curtains and window shades closed at night. |
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Use automatic timers for lights, radios, and anything
that makes your home look occupied. |
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Keep ladders, tools, toys, and recreational equipment
inside when you’re not using them. |
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Be sure all newspapers, mail, and packages are picked
up daily (especially check entrances you rarely use). |
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Do Not put your name on mail box. |
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Landscape with plants that discourage easy access to
your windows (thorny type plants). |
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Have Unlisted telephone number, or just initials
in directory without address listed. |
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Never give credit card, bank account numbers, or social
security number over the telephone, unless you initiated the
call, and NEVER give this type of information over a cordless
or cell phone. They can easily be monitored. |
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A 1998 Law for tele-marketers prohibits them from making
"Anonymous" sales calls. |
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Since September 1998, telephone solicitors
that use live callers, or automatic dial announcing, are now
required to provide on all Caller I.D. units their company’s
name and a working call-back; telephone number. Companies
that do not provide this information can be fined $1,000 a
day. If a telemarketer calls you without providing the company’s
name and a working incoming call-back number on your Caller
I.D. unit, try to get enough information about the company
to file a complaint with the Public Utility Commission. |
Public
Utility Commission
Office of Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 13326
Austin, TX 78711
1-888-782-8477
Fax: 512-936-7003
e-mail: customer@puc.state.tx.us
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Basic Rule about telemarketing and telephone solicitors
is "If it sounds too good to be true, it is too good to be
true." |
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Ask for a financial report if the caller requests a donation
for a charity. Reputable charities will always send this information
if you ask. |
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Get to know your neighbors. Watch out for each other. |
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Don’t be afraid to report any suspicious activity or
persons in your neighborhood. Get description of vehicle,
person and report that information to police/sheriff fast,
so they can act fast. |
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Start Neighborhood Watch Programs |
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Organize an initial meeting, set goals,
plan strategy, post signs, meet on a regular basis, plan
and execute special "team" building projects like a Neighborhood
Clean-up day, neighborhood barbecues and block parties,
sport/game/hobby clubs. (Home Owners Associations good place
to start with this effort)
If nothing in place, start with just
your block, or part of the street--get organized and active
and then work to make it grow.
Ask local law enforcement to attend
your organizational meeting. |
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The key to keeping a Neighborhood Watch group active
is maintaining interest over time. By getting everyone involved
you will create a feeling of pride and the atmosphere of a
small town neighborhood, even if you live in the city. |
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Contact the National
Neighborhood Watch Institute for more information on forming
your own Neighborhood Watch Program and to order signs,
decals, etc. |
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Art Signs & Decals--a Southeast Texas business that
makes the Neighborhood Watch signs, (409) 832-4333 |
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Knowing your neighbors is the best defense against crime.
Be familiar with each others comings and goings, family make-up,
vehicles they drive, work hours, planned vacations or visitors,
and scheduled deliveries or repairs. |
| |
Get to know your neighbors. Watch out for each other. |
| |
Don’t be afraid to report any suspicious activity or
persons in your neighborhood. Get description of vehicle,
person and report that information to police/sheriff fast,
so they can act fast. |
| |
Start Neighborhood Watch Programs |
| |
Organize an initial meeting, set goals,
plan strategy, post signs, meet on a regular basis, plan
and execute special "team" building projects like a Neighborhood
Clean-up day, neighborhood barbecues and block parties,
sport/game/hobby clubs. (Home Owners Associations good place
to start with this effort)
If nothing in place, start with just
your block, or part of the street--get organized and active
and then work to make it grow.
Ask local law enforcement to attend
your organizational meeting. |
|
The key to keeping a Neighborhood Watch group active
is maintaining interest over time. By getting everyone involved
you will create a feeling of pride and the atmosphere of a
small town neighborhood, even if you live in the city. |
|
Contact the National
Neighborhood Watch Institute for more information on forming
your own Neighborhood Watch Program and to order signs,
decals, etc. |
|
Art Signs & Decals--a Southeast Texas business that
makes the Neighborhood Watch signs, (409) 832-4333 |
|
Knowing your neighbors is the best defense against crime.
Be familiar with each others comings and goings, family make-up,
vehicles they drive, work hours, planned vacations or visitors,
and scheduled deliveries or repairs. |
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Inventory all your possessions by making
a list, taking photographs, and videotaping. (Easy-to-use
booklets are available from insurance agents.) |
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Place inventory list, photos, and videos in safe deposit
box at your bank. |
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Record all serial numbers on inventory, engrave your
Texas Drivers License on all possible items. (TX-12345678)
DO NOT use Social Security Numbers |
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(If your possessions are stolen, your
TDL engraved on something and/or the serial numbers may be
the only way to prove to law enforcement that the possessions
really do belong to you, so you can recover them.) |
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Make a copy of EVERYTHING in your wallet, and update
that copy every time something is added or deleted. |
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Do not keep information in your vehicle listing your
home address, or home telephone number. Do not leave house
keys in your vehicle. |
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(Someone breaking into your car will
get a lot more if you have your home information and keys
inside the vehicle.) |
Jefferson County Sheriff's Department
1001 Pearl Street
Beaumont, TX 77701
(409) 835-8411 -OR- Emergency Dial 9-1-1
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