Crime Prevention Tips 

The safety department is pleased to provide the following information to assist our tenants to deter criminals from targeting their homes and help our tenants protect themselves from criminal activity.

Home Burglary Statistics:

• Every 14.6 seconds a burglary occurs in the U.S.
• Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Homes without security systems are 2.7 times more likely to be targeted.
• Burglars spend an average of 8 to 12 minutes in a home.
• Burglars will typically spend no longer than 1 minute to break into a home.
• Cash, jewelry, and electronics are favorite items of burglars because they are easy to sell.

While these are some alarming statistics, there are many things a tenant can do to protect themselves. The following tips can help to deter burglars from targeting your home:

Crime Prevention Tips:

• Keep doors and windows locked whenever they are closed or you are away from home.
• Light all entrances so burglars cannot easily hide, burglars are less likely to approach a well lit area.
• Trim hedges and bushes so thieves can't hide out.
• When traveling, use timers to turn lights on at night and don't allow mail or newspapers to accumulate. A dark, empty home is a beacon to burglars; try to give the appearance that someone is home.
• Don't allow strangers in your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help. Keep the door locked and call the police for them.
• Don't be afraid to call law enforcement to investigate suspicious activity or people. It is better to be safe than sorry.
• Never hide a key outside your home, leave it with a trusted neighbor. Burglars have more experience looking for keys than you do hiding them.
• Get to know your neighbors, neighbors who look out for each other are among the best and least expensive, defenses against crime.

For more information please contact the safety office or you can visit the National Crime Prevention Council website at http://www.ncpc.org/

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