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Can You Do More To Burglar-Proof Your Home? Seattle Police Offer Tips

Monica Spain
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knkx
A deadbolt is a given, but you need to make sure it’s installed correctly by anchoring both sides deeply into the door and the jamb.";

Home burglaries are on the rise in Seattle. But consider this: Maybe there’s more you can do to make your house less attractive to prowlers.  The Seattle Police Department has a free, standing offer to walk through your house and see how secure it really is.

For our security assessment, a homeowner named Ben offered his 1912 bungalow.  We’re not using his last name because he has reason to be cautious.

"In April of 2015, we were burglarized.  As far as we can tell, it was just two kicks and the door was slammed open,"  Ben explained.

The doors are exactly where SPD's Crime Prevention Coordinator Mark Solomon wants to start. A deadbolt is a given, but you need to make sure it’s installed correctly by anchoring both sides deeply into the door and the jamb.

"So one of the things you can do about that is ensuring that the screws going into your framing ... are at least three inches long, so that they go into the jamb and then into the stud," said Solomon.

And once you know your locks are up to snuff, use them. Same goes for windows; even second story windows should be closed and locked if you aren't at home. You can add inexpensive locks from the hardware store for added security. If you have single-paned windows, Solomon recommends security film, a product that makes it harder to smash the glass.

"Someone may come and apply force; the window may shatter, but the film holds the glass in place and really does inhibit entry," said Solomon.

Solomon says it’s useful to think of layers. The more deterrents you can throw in front of a thief, the greater the chance they’ll skip your place. Lock gates, trim trees and shrubs back from windows and decks, and put your tools and ladders away.

Finally, make a household inventory of valuables and electronics. Be sure to include the make, model and serial number. 
 
But Solomon says you shouldn't get the idea that your environment should mimic a fortress.

"Get out on the street; interact with each other; say hi; just let them know you're out and about and paying attention.  That really is your number one deterrent," he added.

None of these things are foolproof, but together they make it all the more difficult to break in.