Crime Prevention Tips

Where Thieves Gain Entry Graphic
Doors
  • Beware of hollow-core door construction for exterior or security doors. For exterior protection you need solid core doors and quality locks.
  • Watch for poor locks which are easily forced or kicked open. Spring locks / latches can not be opened with a credit card or knife.
  • Many burglars enter homes through improperly secured sliding glass doors. Additional locks and security measures will prevent the door from being opened or lifted out of the track. Flush lever bolts installed at the top and bottom of the doors are recommended.
  • Double doors need solid security as they are easily jimmied or forced open. 
  • Doors with glass windows require double key deadbolt locks. The key to a double key deadbolt lock should be left in the lock at all times when someone is home to ensure easy exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.
  • Beware of exterior doors that open out as hinge pins can be removed.
  • Install a door viewer to let you see someone standing outside your door.
Facts
  • Every 14.6 seconds, a burglary takes place in the United States
  • Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  • Burglars spend an average time of 8 to 12 minutes in your home
  • Homes without security systems are about 3 times likely to be broken into than homes with security systems.
  • First stop: Usually the master bedroom because most people keep their valuables there.
  • Favorite Items: Cash, jewelry, electronics equipment, silver, guns, and other items easy to sell or pawn.
  • Dresser drawers, bedroom closets, and the freezer are some of the first places a crook will look!
  • The typical house burglar is a male teenager who lives within a couple of miles of your home. The chance of being victimized by a professional thief is low.
Garage Doors
Standard locks on garage doors are easily pried. Cane bolts and hasps are excellent protection. Any door leading from the garage into the house should be securely locked.
Internet Safety Tips
Make sure you and your friends know these seven rules:
  1. Never post your real name online
  2. Never post your real hometown online
  3. Never post your real state online (countries are okay.)
  4. Always approach others with caution, they may not be who they say they are.
  5. Tell your friends not to give your information out to just anyone, or without your permission.
  6. Keep separate passwords for everything.
  7. If you're under 18, do not post your age online.
Other Precautions
  • Burglars search for homes that appear to be unoccupied. A car in the driveway, motion-sensitive exterior lights, interior lights, and radios and TVs on timers all give the impression that someone is home.
  • Stop newspaper and mail delivery, and have neighbors watch your home.
  • Buglers want to spend no more than 60 seconds breaking into a home. Measures that increase this time include deadbolt locks, bars on windows, and pins in sash windows. Seeing these may change a burglar's mind.
  • Don't give burglars any help. Secure tool sheds and ladders. Some thieves will steal tools from around your property and use them to break windows and doors.
  • Don't give burglars a place to hide. Clear shrubs and trees around your home.
  • Engrave your driver's license number on valuables. Do not use other forms of identification as it can be used against you in identity theft or it may not be enough for the police to identify your property.
  • Photograph / video tape your belongings and maintain receipts and serial numbers. This helps police and the insurance company identify what property you had before a loss. Keep this information in a safe place or even a bank safety deposit box in case of fire.
Security Alarms
Alarms can be a deterrent to burglary.
  • Alarm stickers should be visible in every window that can be breached.
  • Loud sirens should be used and the signal should be tied in with our watch office / dispatch center either directly or though an alarm company.
  • Some alarm systems are expensive. Before investing large amounts of money, feel free to contact the Worth Police Department crime prevention department for advice. 
Security Lighting
Burglars and thieves generally do not like operating in well lit areas.
  • Sometimes the use of motion detector lights gives the appearance that someone is watching the premise and has been alerted to their presence.
  • Cars parked outside are safer in the driveway with the outside lights on.
Windows
  • Sliding glass windows should be given the same attention as sliding glass doors. Use the same supplementary locks or screws in the frame to prevent the window from being lifted out of the track.
  • Double hung windows can be similarly secured by a pin or screw which limits how far a window can be opened. You also may purchase special key locks for windows at a hardware store. Crank windows are easily secured. The latch should close properly with the window tight.