Police share tips on preventing break-ins

Local law enforcement has information available for those who want to take extra precautions to avoid protection break-ins.

“This is something you see more and more this time of year with the time change,” said Avon Lake Police Lt. Scott Fishburn. “Right now it is getting dark around 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This darkness is happening right before workers are coming home. The cover of darkness, with no one home, creates almost a prime hour for criminals.”

Fishburn said the overall goal to prevent breakins is to make a home less appealing.

“Keep it well lit,” he said. “Have some lights on in the front yard and on the porch. Leaving a light on when you’re away gives the appearance that someone is home. This will deter potential threats from even approaching the home.”

Fishburn said another good method is to form a system with neighbors.

“It’s good to get on the same page with neighbors and have them look out for each other,” he said. “Have them check your home every so often when you aren’t home. In my case, I have really good neighbors who are great with this. Not everyone is as fortunate with their neighbors, but there are plenty of neighborhood watches out their.

“Also, join a Facebook list. Social media can be a good thing if it inform citizens of potential threats to their safety.”

Fishburn said shrubbery can also be a problem.

“Make sure everything is well trimmed,” he said. “Trees/shrubs, if left unkempt can be a good place for potential intruders to hide.”

Fishburn also said to check locks.

“You might need to reassess your locks on doors and windows,” he said. “It’s something that some people feel may be unnecessary but it’s important to go to each access point in your home and test the locks.”

The Avon Lake Police Department has compiled a full list of everything that should be checked to prevent break-ins:

• Have you arranged to have a member of a law enforcement agency do a professional survey?

• Are all trees and shrubs pruned and well-maintained to prevent anyone from hiding unseen?

• Do any trees, down pipes, lattice work provide easy access to upper floors?

• If you have skylights, can they be removed from the outside or easily broken?

• Are any ladders or tools kept outside that could assist a potential intruder?

• Are you guilty of keeping a hidden house key outside the house where it is sure to be found?

• Is your home welllighted with particular attention to exterior doors?

• Can your main entrance be seen from the street?

• Are exterior doors at least 1-¾th inches thick and made from solid wood or reinforced with metal?

• Do all exterior doors have heavy duty deadbolts and reinforced door jams?

• Can anyone gain easy access through a mail slot, dryer vent, or pet entrance?

• If doors have glass panels, can someone break through and defeat the locking mechanism?

• Have all sliding glass doors been protected from being easily lifted out from their frames?

• Are all exterior lights and security devices in good working order and protected from breakage?

• Does the door from the attached garage leading to the house have a deadbolt?

• Does your overhead door have a working electronic door opener?

• Does your overhead door have any loose, broken or missing door panels or hardware?

• Do you keep the overhead doors closed and your car locked inside the garage?

• Do all windows have reinforced locking devices that can be secured in the open position?

• Do all screens and storm windows have reinforced locks?

• Do ground level windows have guards or grates?

• Are basement windows glass block or protected by grates or security devices?

• Are all irreplaceable items kept in high-quality fire-resistant safe or in offsite safety deposit boxes?

• Do you have a complete and current videotape or photographs of all your valuables off-site?

• Are all firearms kept secured and apart from ammunition?