Burglary Prevention Tips

Most burglaries are committed when the homes are left unattended. These culprits are mainly opportunists and they will take advantage of an easy target. Don’t make it easy for them.

• Install a deadbolt lock – Use deadbolt locks that are usually locked with a key from the outside and on the inside. The cyclinder should be pick resistant. Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even if you are leaving for just a few minutes during the day. The most popular times for residential burglaries are weekday daylight hours. In some of these burglaries, there is no forcible entry-someone forgot to lock the doors.
• Install solid doors – Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1¾ inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material and each door must fit its frame securely. A door chain and/or a peep hole can be considered.
• Homeowners should consider erecting gates to their garages – Keep garage doors closed and locked. Lock away securely all garden equipment, tools and ladders. Keep hedges low.
• Secure sliding doors and windows – Cut a broom handle to the length of the bottom track so that the window or door will not slide open when forced. Also, drill one hole through both casings and sliding window and insert a nail or pin. Ensure louvre windows are properly secured. For additional security at these windows, consider installing burglar bars.
• Secure sash windows – To prevent wooden sash windows from being pried open, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window through and into the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or nail. To prevent aluminium sash windows from being broken into, purchase a track lock that blocks the window track. REMEMBER that insect mesh screeens are NOT intended as security for windows.
• Mark your property – Mark your valuables with an engraver. Marking your property serves as a deterrent to would-be burglars and it helps police in identifying, tracing and returning stolen property. Make a property identification list. Operation Identification is such a service offered by The Royal Barbados Police Force, free. Call your police station and make your request.
• Purchase a burglar alarm – A home alarm system can be a very effective burglary deterrent and fits into many people’s needs. Remember to test your system monthly.
• Use proper exterior lighting – Place a light over every door. Use good exterior lighting on each corner of the house, also light up windows. Leave lights on, close bedroom drapes and blinds.
• Work together with your neighbours – When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbours and ask them to watch your property. When on vacation, have someone cut grass. Shrubbery should not hide neighbours’ view of windows or doors. Have someone pick up newspapers and mail. Tell neighbours to call police if they notice anything suspicious. Form or join a neighbourhood watch.