Home Burglary Prevention Tips from the Houston Police Department

Whether leaving for the day, a week, a month or just a few hours, the Houston Police Department (HPD) suggests a few precautionary measures to make your home as burglar-proof as possible.

Many intruders enter through weak doors. Having strong doors and doorframes, including garage doors, is essential to your security. Steel doors and frames provide good security because they are harder to destroy. If you have hollow-core doors, it is recommended that you replace them with a sturdier type. There are wooden doors being manufactured to withstand a tremendous amount of pressure from would-be burglars.

Make sure to secure windows. Sliding glass doors can be secured with a locking device placed along the track. A broomstick or a wooden rod may work just as well if placed on the track between the doorframe and the door. Glass sliding doors are usually secluded from public view and special care must be taken to secure them. Bolt locks can be installed to help prevent the door from being opened or removed from its track.

Burglaries can occur when you are out during the daytime as well as just before dark. Burglars will sometimes log your departure and arrival times from and to your home. Here are some tips to help ruin their plot:

• Install lights in areas around doors, walkways and driveways and put them on a timer to turn off at dawn.
• Put a padlock on your fence and choose a reputable alarm company to protect your home.
• When traveling, keep your home looking occupied - have someone cut your grass and pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Put lights on a timer or have a neighbor turn your lights on and off.
• Keep a current inventory of all your valuables. Include photos or video, and all serial numbers of all electronic equipment.
• Secure any cash or jewelry left behind in a bonded storage unit.
• Don't publicize your travel plans and the dates that you will be away from your home or provide updates during your vacation on Facebook, Twitter or other forms of social media.
• Lastly, get to know your neighbors and report any suspicious activity immediately. Protect not only your own home, but also your neighbors' home and property.

For more information on home burglary prevention tips, visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4n0qtTORGII to view a YouTube video HPD crime prevention specialists made on protecting your home. To learn more about HPD, visit http://www.houstonpolice.org/ and/or call the HPD Public Affairs Office at 713.308.3200.