Castle Pines North Homeowners Association Number One

August - Community Watch Program

Aug 20, 1999

DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE
COMMUNITY REALATIONS SPECIALIST
DEPUTY KIM STUCKENSCHNEIDER 303-660-7544
8 Ways to Banish Burglars
Just as a pedestrian should walk fast and look mean to avoid being mugged, a home should look formidable to put off burglars. But you don't have to build a moat. Criminals look for easy targets If the bad guys have to make a choice between a place where they'll make noise breaking in or one they can just walk into, where do you think they will go first? Here are some good tips and some safety-smart moves:
1. LIGHT UP THE PREMISES.
Be sure porches, entrances and yards are illuminated. Motion detectors activate lights
when someone approaches; optical
sensors switch on at night Make sure you install them high enough so crooks can't unscrew the bulbs.
2. GIVE YOUR HEDGES A HAIRCUT.
Overgrown bushes make it simple for people to hide while breaking in. Trim shrubs that could give a burglar cover.
3. LOCK OUT CRIMINALS.
Standard twist locks at the center of the window can be easily opened with a butter knife. Slide locks-little pegs on springs that fit into holes drilled into frame-cost only a few dollars each at a hardware store, they are a snap to install and make it nearly impossible to open windows from the outside.
4. KEEP THIEVES GROUNDED.
Avoid leaving ladders lying in the yard or propped up against a window. Often robbers will use them to get into your house.
5. BEWARE OF PAPER TRAILS.
When you go away, think twice about having your newspaper and mail delivery stopped. Your name will be on a company?’s list and you don?’t know who will have access to it. Ask a trusted friend or relative to pick up your papers and mail instead.
6. TAKE CARE WITH SPARES.
Don?’t hide spare extra keys in mailboxes or planters or under doormats. Those are the first places a crook will look. A better idea: Leave a backup keys with a reliable neighbor, or carry some around in your wallet.
7. TEAM UP AGAINST CRIME.
If you don?’t belong to your neighborhood watch group, sign up. You will need a neighborhood Captain to organize your block or section of the community. Call your crime prevention specialist for details - Deputy Kim Struckenshneider at 303-660-7544.
8. MAKE A CLEAN SWEEP.
Work with your neighbors and the local government to organize community cleanups. Tidy streets tell criminals you live in a vigilant, well-organized neighborhood that looks out for its residents. Even after you?’ve toughened up your home, don?’t get a sense of false security. About 50 percent of robbers come in through unlocked doors and windows. So take common sense steps to take care of your property.