Since being a victim of burglary in April of 2004, I update the photographs, model and serial numbers of all of my personal property at the beginning of each year. As I go through this process every January, I am reminded of the age-old question often asked by victims of burglary or theft.  Why me?

Periodically, we find that burglars have targeted a specific location; however, home burglaries are usually random in nature.  Burglars look for a residence with easy access and low visibility to keep them from being seen when entering through a window or kicking in the door. 

There are steps you can take to make your house less attractive to a burglar.  

• Take a good look at your home and identify vulnerabilities.  Stand across the street and think to yourself, "How could I break in?"  You'll detect those structural or landscaping designs that visually block the entrances to your home.  If you want a more objective assessment, ask your neighbor to do it.
  
  
• Prune or trim back trees, shrubs, or bushes near windows or doors where a burglar could hide.
  
  
• Solid fences provide privacy for EVERYONE, including the person breaking into your house.  If you have a fence or are thinking about building one, consider styles such as wrought iron, chain link, or separated board that allows visual access to your property.

• Night time burglars prefer to work in the dark.  If you are away from home for an evening, leave a light on inside the house.  If you are away for an extended period, make arrangements for your lights to come on periodically (neighbors, timers, etc.).  Light up your porch, sidewalks, and other access routes.  Properly placed and functioning lights remove shadows and illuminate the potential suspect.

Get to know your neighbors and help identify vulnerable areas on each other's property.  If you don't already have one, start a Block Watch in your area.

The overall goal is for the entire neighborhood to be unattractive to burglars.  Simple changes such as additional lighting, shrub removal and fence design can go a long way to make that happen.

If you would like more information on Block Watch or home assessments please contact our Crime Prevention Division at 336-6271.

Sergeant Mike Don
Crime Prevention Division