Miami Area Police Provide Burglary Prevention Tips

The FBI reports a burglary occurs in the United States every 15.4 seconds. That’s almost 4 property crimes a minute. Wow! A burglary can be in a home, park, car, parking lot, gym or place of work.

They state:

• Most burglaries occur during the day when everyone’s at work or school.
• Unlocked, unoccupied homes that are off the beaten path have the best escape routes and are big targets.
• Auto break-ins are “crimes of opportunity”. If the bad-guy sees your stuff in the front or back seat they smash and grab.

Home security tips they offer:

• Use solid steel or solid wood doors.
• Trim shrubs to eliminate hiding spots.
• Report suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
• Start a neighborhood watch and get to know your neighbors.
• Inform a few trusted neighbors of any travel plans to assist in the collection of newspapers and mail.
• Install a home security system monitored by law enforcement and consider security cameras too.

Auto security tips they offer:

• Lock you doors and take your keys. Sounds, like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised at how many don’t follow this simple rule.
• Don’t leave valuables exposed. Put them in the trunk or take them with you.
• Don’t leave papers that may have identity data visible.
• Activate alarms, use antitheft wheel locks.
• Carry your registration in your wallet and make photo copies that you keep at home.
• Never leave your engine running and walk away from the car, even if it’s only for a minute.

Robert Siciliano personal security expert to Home Security Source discussing Home Security on NBC Boston.