Prevent a Burglary
Although all of us fear personal violence, the odds against being physically attacked
in The City of Lake Forest are extremely low. There is, however, one serious crime to
which every person is vulnerable; the crime of Burglary. Burglary is the most common
serious crime which occurs in Lake Forest.
Unfortunately, you will not be able to tell if a person is or isn't a burglar. Your
only defense is to create an environment in which burglaries are less likely to occur.
This can be accomplished by methods of physical security, the outside appearance of your
residence and by neighborhood and police cooperation.
Most burglars are lazy. They also fear being detected and will avoid making any more
noise than is absolutely necessary. The simple and relatively inexpensive attachment of
effective locks on your doors and windows should be enough to discourage the average
burglar from attempting to victimize your residence.
Listed below are proven methods which should discourage most burglars from turning your
possessions into their profits.
Deadbolt Locks
A "Thumb Turn Deadlock" can be used on all doors where windows are not in or
near the door. Be sure that the bolt has at least a one inch throw and that the strike
plate is attached securely through the door frame into the home structure. A "Double
Cylinder Deadlock" can be used on all doors where a window or other glass is within
forty inches (40") of the lock. This lock must be operated with a key from either
side. Again, there should be a one inch throw for the bolt and the strike plate should be
securely attached into the home structure. When using this type of lock, special care must
be taken to allow for emergency exit. It is recommended that when you are inside the
residence, that the key be left in the lock.
Sliding Glass Doors
The most inexpensive way to secure a sliding glass door is to insert 1 ½" pan
head (large head) sheet metal screws into the top of the door frame at both ends and in
the middle. Adjust the screws so that the door barely clears them when it is operated. In
addition, insert a dowel stick into the door track. This will keep the door from being
lifted and removed from the track and from being forced open. The most effective
protection for this type of door is a sliding bolt with a locking device.
Porch or Patio Doors
Treat them as any other outside door. Since they are usually more hidden from view from
the street or by your neighbors, extra care should be used to secure them.
Double Hung Sash Windows
An easy, inexpensive way to secure your windows is to use the "pin" trick.
Drill an angled hole through the top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of
the upper window. Then insert a nail or an eyebolt. The window can't be opened until you
remove the nail. Make a second set of holes with windows partly open so you can have
ventilation without inviting intruders. Eyebolts can provide strong resistance against
jimmying. If you live in a high crime area, it might be best to use them.
Casement or Louvered Windows
Removing the crank handle when the window is closed will offer some protection by
preventing the entire window from being opened once one section is removed. When the
handle is removed, keep it at least forty inches (40") away from the window so that
it is out of the burglar's reach.
Sliding Windows
These should be protected in the same way as a sliding glass door.
ADDITIONAL SECURITY SUGGESTIONS
Alarms
There are many types of alarms available commercially. The most important factor in
selecting an alarm is to determine what your individual needs are and then select an alarm
which will best meet these needs. Only deal with a licensed bonded alarm company who
installs Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved equipment. The City of Lake Forest
regulates alarm installations in the city. It is recommended that you contact a crime
prevention officer from the police department to assist you in determining your specific
requirements. See our "Alarm Ordinance" page.
Lighting
To prevent a burglar from concealing his activities, exterior lighting should be
installed to illuminate all doors and windows. Numerous commercial ornamental and
functional lights are available with sensors or timers which will turn the lights on and
off.
Yards
Thick foliage provides the burglar with a place to work undetected. Keep shrubs away
from all doors and windows. Large trees near the house should be well pruned so that the
tree will not provide access to the second floor of the residence. Keep all ladders locked
inside the garage when not being used. Make your home look like someone is there even when
you are gone by having the grass cut in summer months and the snow removed from the
sidewalk and driveway in winter months.
Mailbox
Do not display your name on the mailbox. A burglar will be able to locate your
telephone number from it and call your house to see if you are home. According to city
ordinance street address numbers are required, and must be visible from the street. This
will allow emergency personnel to locate your house easily.
Garage
Remember to always keep your garage door closed. This will prevent thefts from your
garage. When it is left open, a burglar can tell by the number of cars who is and who is
not at home. Once a burglar is inside the garage, he can work on your house or property
undetected.
Solid Doors
The insertion of an inexpensive door viewer will allow you to determine in advance
whether the door should be opened for an otherwise unknown person ringing your bell.
Neighborhood Relations
Your best security device is your neighbors. Arrangements should be made with your
neighbors to report any person or condition which is not consistent with the neighborhood.
Statistics show that in neighborhoods where residents are concerned with their mutual
safety crime rates are lower. Advise your neighbors when you will be gone for an extended
period of time. Ask them to report anything out of the ordinary to the police immediately.
Your police department can check out suspicious vehicles or persons in minutes while it
may take days/years to solve the burglary and by then the stolen items have probably been
sold.
Key Security
The best lock available will not prevent a burglary if the security of the key is
neglected. An experienced burglar is aware of the common places a resident chooses to
conveniently "hide" a house key. Instead of trying to hide a house key, trust a
neighbor and give them the extra key for your house. Remember to remove other keys from
your ring when cars are taken in for service and left in parking lots. Burglars have been
known to duplicate house keys while the resident never realized what happened.
Leaving Town
- Stop all deliveries either in person or by telephone. Do not leave notes!
- Arrange for lawn care or shoveling of snow.
- Leave a house key with a trusted neighbor or relative and ask them to keep a special
watch while you're away.
- Leave your house in a lived-in condition: Leave lights on timers, leave some shades or
curtains open, and leave inexpensive items in view.
- Never publicize your vacation plans before leaving. Wait until you have returned.
- Call the police and arrange for a watch on your home.
Burglary "in Progress"
If you return home and find a door or window unexpectedly open or ajar, don't go in. Go
to your nearest neighbor and contact the police. If you are inside your home and hear or
see a prowler, don't investigate! Call the police! Upon notification, the police will have
an officer who is trained and equipped at your house in minutes to handle this type of
problem. If possible, watch from a distance and keep the police dispatcher informed of the
person's actions.
Bicycles
Thefts of bicycles is a growing problem, largely due to the increase in popularity of
the bicycle as a means of transportation. The City requests that all bicycles be licensed.
A minimal fee is required upon the initial purchase with a small charge for replacement or
transfer. Once a license is purchased, the police department has on file all information
necessary to identify the bicycle if it is either lost or stolen. In addition, the
placement of the license itself on the bicycle serves as a deterrent to the bicycle thief
who knows that if he is caught with the bicycle it can be identified as stolen. Remember
to always secure your bicycle with an adequate lock when not in use. Many bicycles are
stolen which have been left unlocked in the yard or in an open garage. If your bicycle is
stolen, it should be reported to the police department as soon as possible.
COMMON BURGLARY TECHNIQUES
Often a burglar will drive or walk through a subdivision looking for a home that
appears unoccupied. This can be determined by clues such as an open garage without cars,
an accumulation of mail or newspapers, packages of dry cleaning left at the front door, or
notes stuck on the door. The burglar will then approach the residence and ring the
doorbell. If a resident answers, the burglar may pretend to be lost and ask for
directions.
If you have someone approach your home in this manner, call the police immediately. Try
to get a description of the person and any involved vehicle, along with a license plate
number if possible to pass onto the police. The police will verify the story and offer any
necessary assistance.
VACATION BURGLARY PREVENTION
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Carry a minimum amount of cash. Use traveler's checks and credit cards,
but keep a record of their numbers in a separate and safe place.
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Keep careful tabs on your travel tickets -- they're as good as cash.
Carry them in an inside pocket, not protruding from a jacket or bag.
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If driving, plan your route carefully, travel on main roads, and use
maps. Have your car serviced and tires checked before leaving.
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Don't advertise your plans to strangers.
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Always lock your car when it's parked, even if the stop is brief. Keep
valuables out of sight, preferably locked in the trunk. Don't leave wallets, checkbooks, or
purses in the car.
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Never pick up hitchhikers.
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If you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and
take them inside.
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If your car breaks down, turn on your flashers and raise the hood or tie
a white cloth to the antenna. If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.
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Carry a flashlight with fresh batteries, flares, a fire extinguisher,
and a first aid kit.
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If you are in a foreign country, learn the words for police officer and
doctor. Know the location of the nearest U.S. consulate.
Motels and Hotels
Use all auxiliary locking devices when occupying or leaving your room.
Know who's knocking before you open the door.
Keep extra cash and valuables locked in the hotel safe deposit box, not
in the room. Always take cash, credit cards, and keys with you.
Locate fire exits, elevators, and the nearest phone. Plan the best way
to get out of the building in an emergency.
Inventory your belongings daily.
Be observant. Report any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms
to the management.
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