Did You Know?
- It is estimated that one burglary occurs every 23.9 minutes.
- Approximately 64.7 percent of all burglaries involve a residential dwelling, and 58.8 percent were accomplished by forcible entry.
- Burglars steal millions of dollars worth of personal property/cash in Missouri each year.
Outside the Home
A burglar is more likely to pass up a house with the following precautions:
- Light fixtures illuminating the front and back entrance, garage, and driveway.
- Shrubbery that has been kept trimmed and away from windows and doors.
- The presence of a dog in the yard or in the home.
- Window stickers indicating your property is marked and recorded.
- Noise or lights from inside the house indicating that the owners are at home.
- A visible surveillance camera. Surveillance equipment is more affordable than it's ever been, and many systems can send photographs to your mobile device.
Choosing Locks
Dead bolt locks are bolts with squared ends which extend three-fourths to one inch into the door casing and are suggested for doors with access to the outside.
Rim locks are surface-mounted on the inside of the door with a hand-operated latch, but require a key to open from the outside. The vertical bolt rim lock is secured in much the same way a door hinge is secured by its pin. It should be mounted on a solid door and equipped with an anti-pick cylinder.
Padlocks provide protection for outdoor sheds, gates, lockers, and other structures. The most effective padlocks are made with a hardened shackle and a quality pin tumbler, which provide the best protection against picking, hack-sawing, and jimmying.
Sliding glass doors are a favorite means of entry for a burglar, and require special locks for added security. These kinds of locks are available at your local hardware store.
Windows require locks for added security which can remain locked even if the glass is broken, but that can be opened quickly from the inside in case of emergency or fire. Window locks of this type can be obtained from your local locksmith or hardware store.
Alarm Systems
Provide maximum security with sophisticated electronic technology. Alarm systems vary in the types of detection. The photoelectric sensor system is devised to detect movement, and the pressure sensor system will measure weight. Both of these alarm systems are for use primarily within the home.
The glass breaking sensor system is devised to sound an alarm when a window has been broken or forced open. This type of system is considered an external alarm system which sounds a warning before the intruder has had a chance to enter.
The best approach is to combine both outside and inside protection. By combining motion detection sensors in the home and electro-mechanical systems around doors and windows, you can trip-up the burglar before he has a chance to steal your valuables.
If you do not have an alarm system consider keeping your vehicle's key chain remote close by when you're at home. Using the remote emergency button alarm (panic button) can help ward off potential burglars.
Around the Home
- Do not leave lawn tools, bicycles, and other property unattended in your yard.
- Never admit anyone into your home unless you know them. Install a one-way door viewer.
- Do not hide keys outside your home. Burglars know where to look.
- When you leave town, arrange for someone to mow your lawn and pick up mail and newspapers.
- Do not post out-of-town trips on social media. Ask friends not to "tag" you or your family members in locations away from home until after your trip is over.
- Use your first initial, last name on your mailbox (i.e. S. Smith).
- Do not list your address in the phone book, only your name.
- If possible, set a timer to switch the lights and radio on and off inside your home at varying times.
Apartment Residents
- Insist that adequate lighting be placed around the complex to help prevent theft and assaults.
- Insist that shrubs be cut back to avoid places of concealment for burglars and muggers.
- Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are only at the complex pool or laundry.
- Insist that adequate locks are placed on apartment doors, and rekeyed or changed since the last tenant moved.
Suggestions
- Record all serial numbers for valuables, including electronic devices, guns, outdoor equipment, tractors, lawn mowers, ATVs, etc.
- Keep records of serial numbers in a safe place, accessible in the event your home is burglarized.
- Take photographs of valuables and the contents of your home to assist officers with identification and recovery of stolen items. Place the photographs on a thumb drive or an external hard drive and keep it in a safe place to be accessed later.
- Consider putting your contact information or initials on each item in a conspicuous place. This will aid identification in the event a recovery is made.
If You Think You've Been Burglarized
If you return home and think you've been burglarized or there is a burglary in process:
- Don't touch anything.
- Leave immediately.
- Call your local police department from your neighbor's home.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency Assistance: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55
Road Conditions: 1-888-275-6636
Sex Offender Registry: 1-888-SOR-MSHP (1-888-767-6747)