Winter Burglary Prevention Tips

Posted: Jan. 8, 2010
The Woodbury Public Safety Department offers safety tips to help residents protect their homes from burglary during the winter months. This season, the Police Department is seeing an increase in residential burglaries. Many of the burglaries are occurring when the owners are out of town or when an overhead garage door is left open.

Many valuable items are kept in a garage, including vehicles. Burglars who enter the garage do not hesitate to further enter the home through an unlocked access door. Some of these burglaries occur during the overnight hours when homeowners and their families are sleeping. Other burglaries occur when criminals force entry into a home.

General tips for preventing winter home burglaries:

• Lock all doors and windows, including the door between the garage and home.
• Use quality heavy duty deadbolt locks with at least a 1-inch throw bolt.
• Use a heavy duty strike plate with 3-inch screws.
• Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and televisions. Making your residence appear occupied will help to deter criminals.
• Have someone collect mail and newspapers if you are not home in lieu of stopping the newspaper or mail.
• Arrange to have someone plow or shovel your sidewalk and driveway.
• Keep your valuables in an unlikely place.
• Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit. Installing low voltage or motion sensor outdoor lighting can help deter burglars.
• Assure that your garage door is closed before going to bed each night. Keep the garage door closed when you are not home.
• Sign up for a vacation check with the Police Department. This can be arranged online or in person at the Public Safety Department, 2100 Radio Drive.
• Get to know your neighbors. Having a trusted neighbor that you can count on to watch your home can be significant for burglary protection.
• Call about suspicious activity. Dial 911 (emergency) or (651) 439-9381 (non-emergency.)