Secure your home before traveling during the holidays travel

By Melanie Davis

It is a homeowner’s worst nightmare: Returning home from a happy visit with family or vacation getaway to

find a broken door or window and possessions missing.

The Boone Police Department is offering tips to help secure homes. In 2007, approximately 35 percent of breaking and entering incidents happened to personal residences.

To begin securing a home, start on the outside. Potential burglars will avoid bright lights. BPD recommends installing lights and leaving them on at night. Dusk to dawn triggered lights are a option that doesn’t require a reminder. Exterior motion-sensor lights are also an alternative.

The doors of the home should be made of wood or metal, and have a tight fit. Weather stripping can be installed on a loose-fitting door for more security. A peephole or wide-angle viewer are more secure options than a chain. The chains, which allow the door to be partially opened can break easily and do not keep intruders out.

A sliding glass door can offer easy access if not properly secured. There are commercially marketed locking devices, or a broomstick or dowel places inside the track will not allow the door to open.

The locks on every entry point should be checked. The locks on windows should be of good quality and in good working order. BPD recommends sturdy, well-installed dead bolt locks on each door. When moving into a new home or apartment, BPD suggests re-keying the locks.

A few precautions should be taken just prior to leaving your home for a vacation. Timers are available and can be programmed to turn lights on and off throughout different times of day and night in different rooms. A single light burning 24-hours a day can signal an empty home.

Shades, blinds and curtains can be left in a normal position to signify no change in occupancy. Rather than allow mail and newspapers to pile up, it is a good idea to either temporarily stop incoming mail or ask a neighbor to pick it up for you.

BPD also suggests making a list of all the valuables in the home, with serial numbers, descriptions, even photos, in case the items are ever stolen. Also, rather than hide a key somewhere outside the home in case of a lock-out, leave a key with a trusted neighbor or friend.

Alarm systems are options, especially for those with larger quantities of valuables, or live an isolated neighborhood or one prone to break-ins. BPD says homeowners should check references and do business with a reputable company. Be sure to read instructions and know how to use the system property to prevent false alarms.

Should a homeowner notice anything suspicious, such as a torn screen, broken window or open door, go immediately to a neighbor’s home and call 911. BPD advises burglars may commit violent crimes if confronted.

For information on home safety and security or crime prevention, call Cpt. Curtis Main at (828) 268-6900.