New Orleans Police Department Crime Prevention Unit
Burglary Prevention Tips
Burglary is usually a crime of opportunity. Burglars normally devote relatively little time to plan their actions. Therefore, the more obstacles that are in the way the less likely that the crime will occur.
Basic Home Target Hardening Techniques
Doors
All exterior doors should be metal or solid wood (2 3/4″ thick is preferred), and have strong door hinges on the inside of the door.
Install impact resistant glass in any location within 42” of a door lock. This will make it more difficult to break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door.
Properly install doorframes on all exterior doors and doors from attached garages so they cannot be spread apart.
Install security type door strikes on all exterior doors.
Install a peephole or wide-angle viewer in all entry doors so that you can see who is outside without opening the door.
Locks
Always lock all doors and windows when you leave the house. Believe it or not, many burglaries occur when doors and windows are left unlocked.
Do not provide your keys to service people.
Install strong, reliable deadbolt locks that extend at least 11/2 inch when in the locked position.
Consider double cylinder deadbolts (key inside and outside) or deadbolts with reinforced strike plates and extra long (3”) mounting screws to anchor the lock.
Sliding Glass or Patio Doors
Secure sliding glass doors with a metal rod or something sturdy in the track. Installing vertical bolts will also prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
There are also a number of commercially produced locking devices for sliding glass doors.
Windows
For windows with tracts, a small block of wood placed in the track can prevent the window from being opened.
Nails or pins can help secure windows. Drill a 3/16″ hole from the inside window sash three quarters of the way through the outside sash at a slight downward angle. Then insert a nail or pin into the hole to secure the window.
Impact resistant glass is an option for basement or first floor windows. These windows are often-used as access points.
Lighting
Interior : Use automatic timers all of the time, not just when you are away.
Exterior:
Install around doors, porches, windows, garage and all points of entry
Install motion sensored lights
Illuminate house and grounds
Increase visibility and eliminate hiding places
Alarms
Use audible alarms and/or flashing lights to attract attention
Post alarm signs on the property and stickers on the windows
Make sure your alarm is monitored
Use detectors at all entrance points, and motion detectors in high priority areas
Garages
Always lock the door (house) to attached garage
When at home, always park your car in the garage with the garage door shut
Install automatic openers that will allow you to stay in your car until safely parked in the garage
Other Considerations
When you’re not at home, make it look like somebody’s there.
Leave a radio on
Close curtains but leave lights on
If on vacation, have a neighbor pick up your newspaper and mail.
“Hey look what I got!” Avoid advertising your expensive purchases. Cut up boxes and put into trash bags.
Make a list of your property
Mark your property with an ID number. Not your social security number.
Take photos of expensive items
Make sure of current insurance coverage
Tools of the Trade
Lock up your tools in your shade
Dispose of large rocks and bricks
Thank you,
Sergeant L. J. Smith
New Orleans Police Department
Commander, Crime Prevention Unit
715 S. Broad Avenue, Office # A- 412
New Orleans, LA 70119
(504) 658-5590 – Office Phone
Sylbrown@nola.gov – Email
For Police Service
(504) 822-1111 – Crime Stoppers
(504) 822-2222 – Non-Emergency
911 – Emergency
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