How to prevent burglary

We can prevent burglary without doing much. The cases of burglary have been reduced by 50% by adopting various preventive measures by the police as well as by busting numerous gangs of burglars. If we follow the tips mentioned below, burglary can be prevented to a considerable extent…………. Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, SSP Amritsar

1. Don't tempt a thief
Don't leave your home alone.
Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
Never leave notes on your door such as "Gone shopping".
2. Locks..... get the best
Use a reliable locking system.
Key-in-lock knobs provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your situation.
Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
3. Outside
Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
4. Alarms
An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to home owners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.

5. OPENING YOUR DOOR TO STRANGERS
Take great care. Do not open the doors to the strangers.
Keep Peep-holes....to see who's there.
6. Domestic Servant
· Check the antecedents of chowkidars and domestic servants before hiring them. Insist on references from their previous employers.
· Furnish their full particulars to your police station (Beat officers) in the format suggested by them. You can also drop the same on the prescribed format in the nearest Complaint box.
· Keep strict vigil on the activities of the servants. You should not humiliate the servants on petty matters. Nor should they penalise them for small damages.

VACATION CHECK LIST
· Inform your Beat officer/nearest police station so that special watch can be kept.
· Ensure all points of entry are secured, especially windows.
· Use light timers that will give your home the appearance of occupancy.
· Tell trusted neighbours how long you'll be gone and who might be visiting your home in your absence.
· Leave a phone number with a relative or neighbour in case of emergency.
· Place valuable jewellery, coin collection and documents in a safety deposit box or a burglary-proof safe.

SAFER NEIGHBOURHOOD
Stand up for what you believe in if you want a safe community. Get involved. Volunteer to help on community and neighbourhood anti-crime committees and other community improvement efforts.
Encourage groups you belong to – religious, civic, social- to help stop crime.
Report crimes and suspicious activities to police. Agree to testify when necessary.
Know your neighbours and agree to look out for each other.
Set up a Neighbourhood watch or community patrol, working with police.
Make sure your streets are well-lighted. Take assistance from the Municipal Corporation if you think your street is not well-lit.
Clean up the neighbourhood. Involve everyone. Graffiti, litter, abandoned cars, and run-down buildings tell criminals that you don't care about where you live or about each other. Call your local public works department and ask for help cleaning it up.