Carson City Sheriff's Office urges residents to safeguard homes for crime protection
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Tue, 03/19/2024 - 4:33pm
Most residential crimes are crimes of opportunity, wherein the victims have left their homes unsecured. The opportunity for residential burglary must be curtailed individually and collectively through citizens working with local law enforcement agencies.
Many people who have never been victims are often less than diligent about securing their homes and safeguarding their property. Unfortunately, thieves seek out these vulnerable opportunities, accessing homes and garages through unlocked doors and windows with minimum effort.
There are 5 Key components to Crime prevention through environmental design that, when applied together, prevent residential burglaries. These components include surveillance, evidence of activity, lighting, neighborhood watch, and physical security.
Surveillance is the ability for people to see and be seen by day and night. Evidence of activity can be accomplished by always providing a sense of occupancy. Lighting the interior and exterior of your home and operating the lights on timers give a feeling that the house is occupied. Be involved in the neighborhood by attending neighborhood watch meetings. Finally, physical security includes sturdy locks, hardware, and structural elements like solid doors and quality-constructed windows.
The above 5 components are incorporated into 3 primary areas of the residence. These areas are exterior, perimeter and interior.
The exterior categories are lighting, landscaping, and house numbers. Adequate, appropriate lighting and a well-maintained yard create an aesthetically pleasing environment while allowing surveillance, defining space, and guiding guests onto and out of your property.
The perimeter addresses doors, windows, other entrances, and alarm systems. The primary goal is to remove any opportunity for a burglar to gain easy access and ensure that security hardware and devices are adequate and used consistently.
The interior includes all interior factors, such as lighting, timers, and perceived activity. The goal is to create the sense that someone is always home, as most burglars want to avoid confrontation.
By maximizing the security elements in these three environments and maintaining the concepts of the Neighborhood Watch Program, you will enjoy the benefits of a secure home and community.
