An article in today’s Sunday Telegram cites evidence that home burglaries are on the rise in Cumberland County. The county Sheriff’s Department says they investigated 54 burglaries from December to February, double that of last year.
While we haven’t yet seen an increase in burglary claims this year, it’s always a good idea to be vigilant and to take measures to keep your home safe.
Here are some suggestions from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
- Be sure your outdoor lighting illuminates all entrances to your home.
- Cut back shrubbery to discourage burglars from hiding near window and doors.
- Keep windows and doors locked at all times. Make certain your garage door is closed and locked.
- Install a peephole in your front door.
- Windows and sliding glass doors should be secured with auxiliary locks. Special door pins, available at home improvement stores, can prevent your sliding doors from being lifted from their tracks during a burglary attempt.
- Deadbolt locks should be used on all exterior doors (single or double cylinder with a minimum one inch throw is recommended).
- Never hide or store keys or tools outside.
The Sheriff’s Department also offers these hints if you’re planning to be away from home for an extended period:
- Let trusted friends and neighbors know that you’ll be away.
- Make your home appear occupied. Attach timers to lights and television sets and set them to turn on and off at different times.
- Have your newspaper and mail held, or picked up by a friend or neighbor.
- Disconnect automatic garage door openers.
- Open some of the drapes or blinds on your windows. During daytime hours, it gives the appearance that someone is home, and during the evening, lights inside the house are more visible.