Tips to Prevent Residential Burglaries

PROTECT YOUR HOME

While we enjoy a very safe community, in the United States, a residential burglary occurs every 13 seconds. In addition to the property loses, victims often develop personal feelings of vulnerability resulting from these crimes. To help prevent becoming a victim, the Pocomoke City Police Department offers some helpful hints:

•Have sturdy dead-bolt locks on all exterior doors – and use them.

•Trim shrubbery back to avoid giving burglars cover, and trim tree branches so there is no access to upper windows.

•Leave shades and blinds in normal positions.

•Keep porches, entrances, and driveways well lit – consider installing automatic lights that turn on at specific times or when there is movement in the area.

•Keep garages and sheds closed and locked when not in use – they offer excellent cover for a burglar attempting to break into a house.

•Store tools and ladders securely out of the way when not in use.

•Never carry identification tags on your keys.

•Do not hide "spare house keys" outside.

•Keep daily routines confidential and vary them when possible.

•Do not put valuables where they are visible from a door or window of your home.

•Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone – offer to make the call for them.

•Put lights and television and/or stereo on timers (not just when you are away on vacation).

•Make sure your exterior lights are not on during day light hours. (remember to adjust timers with seasonal day light changes).

•Do not let newspapers build up on your driveway and/or property - have a trusted neighbor retrieve your newspapers and mail.

•Do not let mail build up and/or over flow your mail box.

If you observe anyone acting suspicious call the Police immediately, you can remain anonymous.

If you have any questions or would be interested in further information on crime prevention, please contact the Pocomoke City Police Department.

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

Pocomoke City Police