INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office has issued 12 tips on how to keep your home safe and secure.
- Create the illusion that someone is at your house if you’re away for an extended period of time. Leave a TV or stereo on in a room where a burglar would most likely break in.
- Have a neighbor or friend collect your newspaper and mail when gone on extended trips away from your residence.
- Use exterior lighting and motion detectors to minimize burglar concealment.
- Make sure that your alarm warning sign and window decals are prominently displayed on your property, as they are a good first line of defense to deter potential burglars.
- Make sure all exterior doors have good proper locks. Install one inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.
- If you get an unexpected knock on the front door, check to see who it is before opening it.
- Don’t leave extra keys hidden under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Thieves will generally find them.
- Burglar-proof your back patio glass doors. There are several add-on security devices that the Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit will assist you in the recommendation and selection process.
- Keep garage doors closed at all times, even when you’re home. A closed garage door inhibits intruders from gaining access to a door that leads directly into your home.
- Keep drapes and blinds shut – especially in rooms where there are expensive items.
- Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.
- Don’t leave notes on a door for service people or family members when you are not home. These notes alert a burglar that the house is not occupied, making your residence an easier target for crime.
Contact the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit for your free “Home Security Survey” by calling Deputy Roberta Barker at (772) 770-5028 or Deputy Jeff Brauer at (772) 978-1784 today.
