Learn from my mistakes
If you're a regular online reader, you'll probably realize why I'm posting this blog.
I should really get out into the neighborhood this weekend with safety tips to tape to my neighbors' doors. But for now, since thunder just rumbled loudly outside the newsroom, I'll post it online.
We made a lot of mistakes that made us easy targets for burglars. Hopefully, this will help you avoid a similar situation. Some of these applied to our situation, some address others. Either way, it's common sense.
By the way, the gentlemen believed responsible for our burglary are expected in court early next month for a plea hearing and sentencing.
These are tips from the Janesville Police Department. Officer Chad Sullivan would be more than happy to help you set up a Neighborhood Watch. His number is 755-3134.
Don't leave first-floor windows open at night, but you can drill a screw in the window frame to limit the amount it opens if you need air circulation.
A fenced-in yard doesn't mean you can leave the patio door unlocked. Ok, I forgot to lock it. But that's how they got in. Over the fence and through the patio door.
Draw the drapes if you have electronic equipment that's visible from the streets.
Park in the garage. Thieves target cars, locked or not.
After you're in the garage, lock the connecting door. If you keep a garage door opener in your car, burglars can use that to gain entry to your home. Don't make it easy for them.
Keep an eye out for suspicious characters.
Use your yard and porch lights to discourage skulking around.
Always, always, always make sure your renters/homeowners insurance is up to date!
By no means do you have to hermetically seal yourself into your home, especially in the summer. But be aware of your surroundings and know that an unlocked door can provide an opportunity for burglars. You're welcome.
May 16, 2011 at 6:14 p.m.
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During our Neighborhood Watch meeting, Officer Sullivan recommended pepper spray as a non-lethal alternative to guns. Let's not get into the political or moral implications of keeping guns under your pillow. Officer Sullivan reminded us of this case: http://gazettextra.com/news/2008/mar/06/...
May 16, 2011 at 2:52 p.m.
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Sigma40...that advice still only helps when people only allow people they really know to be friends...some people are so hard up for friends that they'll allow anyone to be their "friend" of facebook. All it takes is a simple request.
Friends don't allow friends to friend friend requests from friends that aren't really friends.
May 16, 2011 at 2:41 p.m.
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jaf2, some 100,000 guns are stolen in burglaries every year, so I guess that's 100,000 gun owners who weren't home or awake during the burglary -- and now there are more criminals with guns. Sounds like a brilliant plan to me!
They musta been owned by libs who didn't have the guts to use them. Probbaly thought..."oh my, you don't have a gun, I can't use mine". Then promptly got overtaken, tied up and had their guns stolen.
Then in a few months.."your honor, I honestly feel my heart of hearts the Bush made him do this. After all, he didn't hurt me too much so that prove he means well. Please just put him on 2 weeks probation."
May 16, 2011 at 10:56 a.m.
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My neighbors behind me have a halogen high beam pointed at my house too.. good thing my bedroom window isnt on that side. For my back yard light I put a smaller bulb in and pointed it down...thought they'd get the hint and do the same but no. Oh well..
May 16, 2011 at 8:41 a.m.
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My neighbors "ALWAYS" keep there porch light on and it annoys me as it shines into our house all night. Get a motion light, it is "greener" and I believe the surprise factor when it goes off is a big deterrent.
Keep your guns in a safe during the day and under your pillow at night.
May 16, 2011 at 6:59 a.m.
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jvilletech - You can set your facebook status so only your friends see it. Go under "account settings". Each section of your FB has the option to hide from whoever you want. I agree... people need to lay off the details on there....especially the relationship drama....ugh.
May 16, 2011 at 6:54 a.m.
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Type-o. "USAF".. not ASAF..oops.
May 16, 2011 at 6:52 a.m.
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I keep 2 loaded guns in my house also. A .45 in my bedroom and a 12ga hidden in my living room. And those are protect by the best German security system available....aka.. German Shepherd. Kind of like the hotel California... you can check in any time you like...but you can never leave.
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Even if you're not a gun supporter... a small NRA sticker on your front door or back bumper really makes people think. Any little sticker..support your military, navy, army, ASAF, marines, gun stickers, S&W, Browning, Glock... all signs to a a would be bad person that you probably are not one they'd want to confront. :)
May 16, 2011 at 1:44 a.m.
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jaf2, some 100,000 guns are stolen in burglaries every year, so I guess that's 100,000 gun owners who weren't home or awake during the burglary -- and now there are more criminals with guns. Sounds like a brilliant plan to me!
May 16, 2011 at 1:14 a.m.
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1. Know your neighbors and be on the lookout for them.
2. Don't announce on Facebook that you are going on a vacation. You can talk about it when you return. ( I see people doing this all the time plus they have pictures of their home. Dumb!)
3. Dont keep purse near your door. Makes it very easy for someone to just open the door and swipe it very quickly.
4. Daylight is not always a deterrent for thieves. Keep doors locked during the day too.
May 15, 2011 at 10:41 a.m.
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Here is another tip. Keep you GPS and mounts out of site in you car. Example: Criminal breaks into you car at baseball game. Steals your GPS and garage door opener. Turns on GPS and hit's "go home" button. GPS takes him right to your door and garage door opener lets him in and he knows you're not home you're at the baseball game. Solution: Put a lock code on GPS or have Police station address listed as home address.
May 15, 2011 at 9:06 a.m.
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This is all good advice, I'll add a couple more:
- do not have large bushes along side of your house for burglars to hide behind.
- motion lights scare away bad people
- leave lights on at night whether you're home sleeping or away. Compact fluorescents use very little electricity compared to getting your house robbed.
- lock your doors even when you are home
- log your valuables so they can be identified later if need be
May 15, 2011 at 7:47 a.m.
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guard dogs are nice
May 14, 2011 at 7:36 p.m.
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More tips for everyone. When you buy a new TV,surround sound system,computer or any expensive items DO NOT put the boxes out on the curb with your trash. Be aware of profile pics you put online of yourself with a couple thousand dollars worth of stuff in the backround. Make a nightly routine of checking that doors are locked, its not paranoia its common sense to not only protect your "stuff" but your family and yourself. Safety first
May 14, 2011 at 5:24 p.m.
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Always keep your porch light on at night. Always.
May 14, 2011 at 2:26 p.m.
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keep 2 loaded guns in your house. one for you and since there's an equal force law, one to put in the perp's hand.
May 14, 2011 at 9:31 a.m.
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Thanks for the reminders Beth. These are some easy to do fixes to protect not just your stuff, but your family...
May 14, 2011 at 8:58 a.m.
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Intruders when you're home has always been my nightmare! Take what you want when I'm not home, stay out when I am!!
May 14, 2011 at 7:13 a.m.
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@crunch_munch: Maybe you think I'm overreacting, but I'm not a fan of intruders being in my house. I find it especially unpleasant when they steal my stuff while I'm sleeping in the next room.
I just want to make sure other people don't experience the same thing.
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