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| Clint Kearns |
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Some suggestions for improving home security
Posted: Jun 20, 2011 5:35pm
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As owner of the local security company Summit Security, I keep a close watch on Wrightwood crime trends. Burglaries have increased dramatically in the last year here in our village, so I would like to offer some steps you can take to greatly reduce the chance of your home or business being burglarized. There are three critical steps that I have suggested for over 30 years.
MAKE THE TARGET UNINVITING
Open sight lines to the structure. Remove solid fences or vegetation that provides hiding places for burglars. Most residential break ins –over 80% in fact- occur through a first floor door. So these doors should be equipped with good quality deadbolts. If you are weekender, contract with a local service to keep the grounds clean and neat so the place looks lived in. Many vacation homes have been targeted recently because it’s sometimes obvious that no one is around. Install motion activated lights (Only compliance with our local Dark Skies ordinance please) that illuminate likely areas of entry at night.
HARDEN THE TARGET
Wrightwood is comprised of a mix of older and newer structures. Many older buildings had doors that opened out and these have hinges with exposed hinge pins that are easily removed. Doors of this type should have steel pins installed on the hinge side of the door to prevent removal. If a door has a window in the door, or a window within two feet of the door, it’s quite easy to break the glass, reach in, and unlock the door. These doors should be equipped with a double cylinder deadbolt having a key on the inside as well as the outside. When you are home the key should be left in the lock for quick exit in an emergency, but when you leave, remove the key for greatly improved security. Sliding windows should be pinned, and louver windows should be replaced. We have local vendors who can provide these services.
Timberline Locksmith can install or upgrade deadbolts and Hoss at Another Glass Company can replace louver windows.
EMPLOY ACTIVE DEFENSIVE MEASURES
And this does not mean your dog or your neighbors. Have an electronic security system professionally installed. It is a proven fact that security systems do reduce the chance of a burglary. In fact, most insurance companies offer discounts of up to 20% for homes with a monitored security system. Always get three estimates, and for all work around your home always use only licensed and insured vendors.
If you are concerned about a security system in homes with pets, Summit Security has expertise in this area that many companies do not, and also with systems for people with special needs.
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| Ryan M |
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Re: Some suggestions for improving home security
Posted: Jun 21, 2011 6:02am |
Great suggestions and what a perfect way to start off the crime and public safety forum.
I am sure many users will find your tips very useful once we launch to the general public on July 1st. Thanks for helping out and listing your business with WrightwoodCA.com!
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