ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT
Town of Orange, Connecticut
CRIME PREVENTION
What is a burglary?
A burglary occurs when a person enters or remains unlawfully in a home/building with the intent to commit a crime. It is a property crime. A burglary is not "robbery", which is a crime against a person. Burglary is a crime of "opportunity". The first goal in prevention is to reduce the opportunity.
When do burglaries occur?
Most burglaries occur during the daylight hours because most people are working or running errands. Entry is most often made through a front or back door. Glass is seldom broken, but will be if necessary.
Remember
Crime prevention is not difficult. It is a common sense approach to securing your home, car, and neighborhood. Organize a community watch program to protect your neighborhood; an alert community is a safe community! When you see something that looks suspicious call the police immediately. The Orange Police are here to serve the needs of our community.
SIMPLE PREVENTION TIPS
Keep Doors and Windows Closed and Fastened
An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
Secure Sliding Glass Doors
An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one-inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three-inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
Always Lock the Door to an Attached Garage
Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
Update Locks if Necessary
Install a Burglar Alarm
Not necessarily a deterrent for the "professional," but more for peace of mind. Can reduce the amount of time thieves are in your home, and help to notify the police of a problem.
Illuminate Your House
Lights with motion sensors are a great way to keep the perimeter of your home well lit.
Trim Shrubbery
Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. While large, ornate hedges may be beautiful, they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.
Get a Lock Box
Secure your valuables in a home safe or lock box.
Photograph Your Valuables
Also make sure to log their serial numbers.
Label Your Valuables
Apply a personal identification number such as your driver's license number on your valuables by engraving or with a permanent marker.
VEHICLE CHECKLIST
ALWAYS lock it, lock it, lock it!
Roll up windows
Park in a well-lit area
DO NOT leave valuables in the car!
VACATION CHECKLIST
Never leave clues that you are away on a trip
Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate, or stop their delivery. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.
Use timers on lights, radios, and TV's
Create the illusion that you are home. Making your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, will deter criminals.
Keep it off the web
Don't talk about vacations on social networking sites such as Facebook or Twitter.
BACK TO TOP
Keep some shades and curtains open
Maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.
Never leave a message on your answering machine
A message that you are away from home and will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.