Monrovia PD: Tips to Keep Burglars Out

From the Monrovia Police Department:

Criminals look for easy targets. Burglars watch for homes that are dark and seem to be temporarily unoccupied. You can do a few simple things to help prevent your home from being burglarized:

• Locks - Use the locks you have on all doors and windows. Make it a routine to check all locks before you leave your home. Use dead bolt locks having a 1" throw.
• Shrubs - Should be kept low enough so they do not block possible points of entry or help conceal a potential burglar.
• Doors - Solid core wood doors with frames that cannot be spread apart with a pry bar are preferable.
• Burglar Alarm - Install an alarm and be sure to prominently display all signs and decals that your home is protected by an alarm system.
• Lights - Install in front, back, and by garages. Motion detector lights are an alternative to lights being on all the time. Interior-timed lighting devices should be utilized when you are not home.
• Garage - Never leave your garage unlocked, especially if it has a connecting door to the home.
• Mail and Newspapers - Make sure someone picks up your newspaper and mail if you are to be away for an extended period of time so potential burglars don't see them piling up when you are not home.
• Spare Keys - Never leave a spare key in a hiding place outside your home. Burglars know all the common hiding places.

These are simple steps you can take to help ensure you home is safe.