Presented by the City of Lancaster’s Public Safety Office

Exterior, Landscaping & CPTED Securing Doors & Windows Garages & Vehicles Inside Your Home/Operation ID Going on Vacation General Information & Basic Tips The “Finishing Touches”

“The Crime Triangle” Opportunity

“The Burglary Triangle” Time

An unlocked lock is NOT a lock Don’t leave notes No “hidden” keys Don’t put an address tag on your key ring No garage/gate remotes in your vehicle

If you find evidence of a burglary, STAY OUT, call the Sheriff’s DON’T confront a burglar

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design House numbers Clearly visible from the street At least 3” tall Well lit Mailboxes House numbers okay Last names only

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Shrubbery As close to walls as possible Trimmed to allow visibility “Unpleasant” varieties – thorns, needles, etc. Trees Lower branches trimmed to allow visibility Pruned to prevent access to upstairs windows, roof, balconies, etc. At least 2’ wide

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Lighting All sides of residence Special attention to windows & doors Vandal-proof fixtures Motion-sensor lights – check them each time! Leave them on!

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design Leaving items outside – don’t do it! Ladders, tools, bicycles, toys, etc. Put them away when not in use (garage or in the house) Bicycles – if left outside lock them up Through front wheel and frame Sturdy bike lock (cable lock is best)

Exterior Doors Solid-core, at least 1 ¾” thick Steel-plating NOT an adequate substitute Hinge pins on the inside Fitted with a deadbolt with at least 1” throw Doorknob lock should only be secondary Multiple locks recommended 3” or longer screws on strike plate Locks at least 36” from nearest window

Exterior Doors French doors/double doors Flush bolt or cremone bolt on inactive door Double-cylinder deadbolts recommended for locks within reach of a window May not be permissible due to fire codes; check with Fire Department before installing Wide-angle viewer (“peep-hole”) Leave key in inside lock when anyone home for quick escape Installed at a height all family members can use

Exterior Doors Screen doors – NO security! Easily cut or torn No way to lock them Security doors Ability to lock Still allow air to pass through Adds an extra layer of security to the front door

Windows Dual-paned Wide blinds or opaque curtains Prevent ability to see into the home to create a “shopping list” Sheers should only be used while at home and in the room Windows that open should be on inside track Commercial window films and glass-replacements available Good option for first-floor windows and those in reach of locks Keyed window locks should be left unlocked when home

Windows Iron bars/metal security grating At least one window in each room should be able to open in case of fire Should be thick enough to resist cutting; properly installed to resist prying

Sliding Glass Doors & Windows Don’t rely on thumb latch Wooden dowel or other rod in track At least ½” thick Should fit flat in track with little or no leeway to open window Install thumb-screws in upper track above moveable panel Should barely clear top of window panel when closed

Sliding Glass Doors & Windows Drill and pin at top overlapping corner Install keyed or screw-type lock on bottom track to prevent opening Sliding glass doors – replace thumb latch with keyed lock Openable without key from inside, requires key from outside May require reinforcement of aluminum door frame at lock area

Sash (Vertically-Sliding) Windows Center latch easily overcome by prying Drill and pin at both overlapping corners on downward angle; use double-headed nails or eye bolts Dowels in both side tracks or at an angle above moveable panel Second set of holes can be drilled 1-3” above to allow window to be pinned open At least ½” thick Should fit snugly

Casement (Crank) Windows Easily secured by removing the crank Can also be secured by adding an L-bracket Heavy gauge, wide-width; installed flush against both window and windowsill Install using a carriage bolt and wing nut If installed on window frame to allow opening, drill a second hole in windowsill for an eye bolt or pin to prevent window from opening

Louvred Windows Typically seen in bathroom installations; next to impossible to adequately secure Use epoxy to seal panels shut Thick enough to resist cutting Can be installed 2-3” from window to allow opening for ventilation Can install a metal bar in middle of window across all panels If window is particularly wide install two or more bars, evenly spaced

Garages An open garage is like an open front door If you leave the garage or driveway in front of it for even a moment, close the garage Keep it locked Door between garage and house should be treated just like your front door Deadbolt Windows in garage should be treated the same as those in your home

Garages Automatic garage doors: wait until fully closed before going inside or driving away Drill a hole in track (if not pre-drilled), just above one of the rollers when closed Add a padlock to secure garage from inside Use a case-hardened padlock with a heavy-gauge shackle Resist temptation to use the garage for storage Small valuables should be kept in a safe deposit box or a secure location inside the home Use a locked backyard shed or storage unit for general storage

Vehicles The garage is the safest place to keep your vehicle Lock doors and keep windows rolled up Treat your vehicle the same as on the street Don’t leave valuables inside vehicle

Securing Valuables Valuables should be kept in a secure location Expensive or heirloom jewelry, important documents, cash, firearms, stock/bond certificates, etc. Keep in a bank safe deposit box or a fire-resistant safe bolted to the floor in your home and hidden from view Don’t leave valuable items out, even if used frequently Keep a record of serial numbers of ALL items that have them (electronics, appliances, savings bonds, etc.) Make multiple copies Take detailed, color photos of items without serial numbers

Operation ID If possible, engrave your driver’s license state & number on valuable items (ex. “CA A ”) Try to mark each item in the same spot, such as the bottom right corner Much more likely items will be returned if stolen

Firearms Particularly favored by thieves Keep them locked up whenever you’re not home Thieves know the common hiding places and will look for them Between mattress & boxspring In nightstand On top shelf of closet On top of fridge In underwear drawer Behind the headboard

Firearms Specialized gun safe is the best option for storing firearms This will also work for storing valuables Expensive but very difficult/impossible for thieves to move or break into

Before You Leave Set timers for lights and electronics Should be varied and in a logical pattern to imply movement through the house (ex., bedroom light should come on after living room light) Include at a minimum: porch light, living room light, television or radio, bedroom light

Before You Leave Biggest tip-off to a family on vacation is when the house looks like no one’s home Remove flyers, pick up mail, water/mow lawn and plants, etc. Find a trusted neighbor who will check on your property while you’re gone Give this person a key so they can ensure house is still secure Leave contact information and trip plans with this person for emergency contact if necessary Submit vacation patrol check request to Sheriff’s Station

Extra Security Measures Keep porch clear of phonebooks, flyers, newspapers, etc. Neighborhood Watch helps you and your neighbors look out for each other’s homes Install “Beware of Dog” signs even if you don’t have one Put out “evidence” of a large dog, such as a large water bowl and food dish, large chew toys, dog house, etc. Install a padlock on circuit breaker/fuse boxes (if outside) and any enclosed meter boxes If on meter boxes, give a key to the utility companies

Extra Security Measures Side gates should be tall enough, with a lack of footholds, to be difficult to jump or climb over Use a sturdy padlock and securely attached hasp Surveillance cameras can provide valuable information to law enforcement in the event of a break-in Many options available Alarm systems Can be monitored or local If you have one, advertise it!