Police Department

Home Security & Burglary Prevention

Simple steps can make your home much less inviting to a burglar. Most break-ins are quick and opportunistic. The goal is to make it harder, noisier, and riskier for anyone trying to get in.

Identify Entry Points

Before you make upgrades, ask yourself:

• Which doors or windows are hidden from view?
• If you were locked out, how would you try to get back in?

Start securing those spots first.

Strengthen Doors & Windows

• Use solid wood or metal exterior doors with deadbolts that have at least a 1-inch throw.
• Install 3-inch screws and heavy-duty strike plates into door frames.
• Add wide-angle peepholes (180 degrees) on entry doors.
• Secure sliding glass doors and basement or ground-level windows with locks, pins, or bars.
• Replace single-pane windows or add security film to vulnerable spots.

Top Tip: Motion-sensor lights focused on entry points are a powerful (and budget-friendly) deterrent.

Light, Visibility & Landscaping

• Keep entryways and windows well lit.
• Trim shrubs and trees to prevent hiding spots.
• Post clearly visible house numbers – day and night visibility helps first responders too.

Fire Safety First

• Always maintain at least one quick exit from each room in case of fire.
• Practice emergency escape plans with everyone in the home.

Thinking About an Alarm?

Great! Just make sure to learn how to prevent false alarms – they’re more common than you might think.