Doors
-
Solid wood or
metal on all
exterior doors.
-
Good deadbolt
locks with 1"
minimum throw.
-
Use your locks -
a lock is only
useful if you
use it.
-
Be aware of the
risks of windows
in or near
doors.
-
Make sure your
door hinges are
not removable
from the
outside.
-
Use a peep hole
or side angle
viewer in your
doors.
-
Secure strike
plates with 3"
minimum screws
that penetrate
the stud in the
wall.
-
Be cautious of
mail slots and
pet doors.
-
Make sure your
doorways are
visible from the
street and not
obscured by
shrubs, etc.
Windows
-
Make sure your
windows have
good locking
mechanisms
-
Safety glaze is
available to
prevent glass
being broken.
-
Make sure
windows are
visible from the
street and not
obscured by
shrubs, etc.
-
Consider window
coverings that
prevent someone
looking into the
house.
-
Be cautious of
barring windows
that may prevent
your escape in
case of a fire.
Landscape
-
Keep trees and
shrubbery
trimmed to
prevent
concealment for
a potential
burglar.
-
Privacy fence
may also create
concealment for
a burglar.
Lighting
-
Good exterior
lighting on all
sides of your
house.
-
Timers on lights
give your house
the lived-in
look while your
are away.
-
Motion sensor
lighting is also
a valuable tool
to prevent
burglary and
theft.
Alarms
-
Alarms are
another valuable
tool in
preventing
burglaries.
-
Be a wise
shopper.
Consider the
pros and cons of
different
systems and buy
from a reputable
company.
-
Remember, like a
lock, an alarm
is only valuable
if you use it.
Operation ID
Operation I.D. is a
simple program that
deters burglary and
theft, as well as
assists law
enforcement in the
event your property
is stolen. You
simply engrave your
Washington Driver's
license number on
your property using
the following
format.
W.A.
(state driver's
license #) D.L.
Once
your items are
marked, Operation
I.D. stickers are
available to place
in your windows to
advertise your
participation in
this program that
deters crime. We
encourage each Block
Watch group to
purchase an
engraver, usually
$10 - $20 at a local
hardware store, and
share it among the
group members for
marking of their
valuables.
