Crime Prevention Tip of the Month

December 2005
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Greetings!

Welcome to the Crime Prevention Tip of the Month. First, a little about me. I'm a working Police Officer in my thirtieth year with a major North American Police Service. I've been involved in Crime Prevention for 9 years and specialize in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design). In fact, I instruct other officers in this at the Police College. In my position as Crime Prevention Officer, I consult with homeowners, businesses and developers in their attempt to design out crime.

I am delighted to contribute to Mr. Goodbar's website. I firmly believe that physical security is the best kind of security because it leaves no question in the mind of the criminal as to the premise's level of protection. In my opinion, the use of window bars is the next best visual deterrent to having a Police Officer standing on your lawn.

Have a Secure Holiday Season
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Poor criminals. For them, there's no holiday in December. It's their busy season, what with all the new stuff in people's homes, just waiting to be hauled away while the owners are doing some holiday visiting. They've got to be on their toes, watching for shoppers who have absentmindedly forgotten to lock their car doors. And there are a lot of late nights, driving around looking for houses where the inhabitants are obviously away, perhaps on vacations to warmer climates.

You really have to feel for them, don't you?

This holiday season, give thieves a break too, by letting them know not to bother spending their time trying to rob you.

Make it look like your home. Use timers on lights and televisions, stop deliveries, get someone to shovel your sidewalk, and ask a neighbor to park her second car in your driveway. If you can, pack the car for the trip while it's in the garage.

Keep watch. Let your trusted neighbors know you're going to be away and that no one should be in the house. Give someone a key so they can perform a couple of random checks, too.

Secure the house. If you've been worried about those two basement windows facing your enclosed backyard, get some window bars on them before you go. They don't cost much and the peace of mind is worth a lot more. Examine the house for weak spots and take care of them now.

Dispose of packaging properly. Don't advertise your new tools, toys and electronic equipment by tossing the boxes onto the lawn! Cut your boxes up and fold them so all that's visible from the street is brown cardboard.

The holidays are a busy time and we do tend to overlook common sense things when we're rushing. Try to leave yourself extra time to double check that you've locked the house and your car before dashing off.

Wishing you a secure, and happy, holiday season, from everyone at Goodbar Security.

Download the Complete Security Checklist before you go away.

Protect Your Friends and Family
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