How safe is your home in New Westminster when it comes to breaking and entering?
Statistically, pretty safe, but there's always room for improvement - especially in the summer when people tend to overlook some basic safety techniques to prevent theft.
"In the summer months, many thieves target residences that may have windows or doors insecure due to the warm weather. Additionally, thieves are aware that many homeowners will be working or playing in their backyard and have left their front door unlocked," said Sgt. Gary Weishaar, in a press release. "These types of break and enters are commonly referred to as 'Green Thumb B and E's'. Even if you or someone else is at home, it's a good practice to keep your windows and doors secure."
New Westminster Police are also recommending tightening up home safety by "crime prevention through environmental design" - a fancy way of saying cutting down on opportunities for crime.
Well-lit areas are unfriendly to thieves who would prefer to work under cover of darkness, so police recommend using motion sensitive lights that are positioned somewhere where would-be thieves cannot tamper with them. Other smart moves include leaving a porch light on overnight and putting timers on interior lights.
As for securing doors, police recommend that all exterior doors have a deadbolt lock with a one-inch throw. Doors should be mounted using at least 3-inch screws and secondary locks on doors and windows are advisable. Spending a bit more on a high-quality lock may turn out to be a worthwhile investment, Weishaar said.
In the yard, police recommend keeping shrubs and trees trimmed in a way that maximizes visibility. Shrubs should be kept to a one-metre height while a tree's crown should be above two metres.
Weishaar said residents may also be interested in joining a Block Watch program, which New Westminster Police can help arrange. See more crime prevention tips at www.nwpolice.org.
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