Useful Information HomeBulletins    Divisions     Directions      Contact

 

Local and State Law Info.

 

Local Parking Restrictions

 

 Local Ordinances

 

Common State M.V. Laws

 

Prevention and Safety

 

Report Criminal Activity

 

Kids' Safety Tips

 

Crime Prevention Tips

 

D.A.R.E.

 

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS:

BURGLAR PROOFING YOUR HOME


 

 Windows are a very common entry point for burglars. They are often left unlocked or even wide open.

 When closed and latched, windows can easily be shattered with a rock, brick or any other heavy object.

 There are several options available to help secure your windows.

 Window Add Ons
 Metal bars can be placed over all the windows in your home. This makes it impossible for a burglar to gain access.

 Even if they are able to break the glass, there is no way to squeeze in through the bars.

 The drawback is that some people feel the metal bars make their dwelling look more like a prison than a home.

 There are also laminated films that can be placed over every window. The films bond with the glass to make them

 nearly impregnable. In addition, the film is clear so the window will remain completely transparent.

 A burglar won't even know the glass is protected until they try to break it.

 Reinforced Glass
 Another option to burglar proof your windows is to use glass that is strong enough to withstand extreme force.

 Some window panes are even bullet resistant, so a single shot from most guns will not break them.

 This type of glass may be more than you need and it is very expensive, but there are other choices.

 Some glass contains thick wires all throughout, making it both decorative and functional.

 Burglars will know right away that this will not be an easy window to get through.

 After breaking the glass, the wires will still be in the way, and would need to be cut before entry is possible.

 Criminals will most likely pass on a window like this because getting through them would be difficult and time consuming.

 Glass that is tempered has been placed in a very hot oven and then immediately moved to frigid surroundings.

 This is done to bring the glass to a melting point, and then freeze it back into a solid piece, which makes it stronger.

 Tempered glass is far more durable than standard window panes, and very difficult to break.

 A burglar can not shatter it with normal tools of the criminal trade, and will tend to give up and move on to an easier target.

 Windows do not have to be made from glass. Plexiglass looks like the real thing, but is actually made out of a thick plastic.

 It is transparent so it gives the illusion of being a regular window, but burglars will find it is impossible to break.

 Sliding Widows
 Some homes have windows that slide open on a track. Burglars may find it easy to gain access through these windows,

 so it is essential to secure them. By installing latches, such as those found in a "Casement Window" you can make them

 very difficult to open. You can also find bolts and locking pins for sliding windows, but burglars are often able to pry

 them open if they are determined to get in.

 Ensuring your windows are burglar proof is an essential task for every home owner, but it is important to remember

 that you may need to use the windows as an escape route during a fire or other emergency.

 Make sure you have the ability to get out through a window if it becomes necessary to do so.

 Burglars break into your home when they believe no one is around so they can take your most valuable possessions.

 They look for houses that appear to be easy to get inside, either through a window or a door.

 That makes it imperative for every person to make sure their doors are as secure as possible. There are several ways to do this.

 Keep Your Door In Plain Sight

 A burglar won't care if they break in through the front or back of the house, but if they feel the front door is well hidden

 it becomes an easy target. A house with overgrown trees and bushes can block the view of the front door,

 giving criminals a perfect spot to hide behind while they make their way inside.

 Keep any type of plant life trimmed back so thieves can not use them as a hiding place.

 Check Your Door
 Before adding any security devices to your door, examine it to see if it hangs properly and was installed correctly.

 Make sure there are screws in every hole for each hinge. The more securely a door is attached to the wall, the harder

 it will be to break down. If the hinges are loose or partially empty, it is important to fix them right away.

 Create new holes if the wood is rotted out and the screws are barely hanging on.

Once the door is on as tightly as possible, you can include new locks and bolts.

 Door Locks And Bolts
 Some basic door locks are easy to get through. The lock can be pried back with a small instrument,

 allowing a burglar to open the door and get inside. You can add a Dead Latch door lock quickly and easily

 to make the entry way far more secure. These locks can not be pried open, so they are an inexpensive and very effective device.

 A rim lock can been installed on the inside portion of a door in just a few minutes.

 It includes a heavy duty dead bolt to make sure criminals can not pry it open.

 The top and bottom of any door can be reinforced with flush bolts. These are bolts that make it impossible

 for a burglar to open the door for easy entrance. When installing any type of bolt, make sure everyone in the house

 knows how to lock and unlock them quickly. While they work well for keeping intruders out,

 they can also lock people inside during an emergency situation if everyone does not know how to operate them.

 Your front and back doors are common and easy targets for burglars who may try to get inside your home.

 Don't let them - take precautions to reinforce every door in your house and make sure they do not provide easy access for criminals.

 


Emergency: 911   Business: (908) 852-3302   Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm

Copyright 2010 © Hackettstown Police Department