Many property crimes are “crimes of opportunity.”  You can help reduce your chances of becoming the victim of a burglary or theft by anticipating potential risks and taking steps to address them.  Although it is sometimes difficult, it helps to look at your home from the perspective of a potential criminal so that you are able to see possible security and safety issues that need to be dealt with.

 

Please use this Home Security Survey as a guide to help you identify potential vulnerabilities in your home’s security.  For every “NO” answer you circle, it is likely an opportunity for improving your security features or safety habits.

 

Exterior Doors

 

· Are doors constructed of solid core hardwood or are they metal-clad?

· Do doors have working, keyed door handle locks as well as sturdy deadbolt locks?

· Do strike plates for handles and deadbolts have at least 3 or 4 inch screws to secure them to the door frame?

· Do doors feature a wide-angle peephole at a height convenient for everyone in the home to use?

· If there is a window or other glass panel in the door or within 40 inches of the door, is the glass reinforced so it cannot be shattered?

· If there is a window or other glass panel in the door or within 40 inches of the door, is a doublecylinder deadbolt lock installed?

· Are all exterior doors locked at night?

· Are all exterior doors locked during the day or any time that no one is home?

· Are all exterior doors locked every time you leave the house, even if it is only briefly?

 

Key Control

 

· Are spare keys kept in a secure place (e.g. with a trusted neighbor, friend or family member)?

· Are all keys (including spare keys) accounted for?

· Are all automatic garage door openers accounted for?

· Is the code to any alarm system or garage door keypad known only to residents of the home or a trusted neighbor, friend or family member?  (Do NOT hide a key around your home – in or near mailboxes, door mats, flower pots, door frames, rain gutters, fake rocks, etc. Potential criminals know all of these hiding places and will have no trouble gaining access to your home.)

 

Sliding Glass Doors

 

· Does the sliding glass door have a working key lock?

· Is a strong dowel or bar inserted in the track to prevent the door from being forced open?

· Is the door locked every night?

· Is the door locked during the day or any time that no one is home?

· Is the door locked every time you leave the house, even if it is only briefly?

 

Garage Doors

 

· Is the door closed every night?

· Is the door closed at all times when no one is present in the garage?

· Is the door closed every time you leave the house, even if it is only briefly?

 

Windows

 

· Do all windows have a strong, working lock or are they securely “pinned?”

· Do all windows have sliding or “track” locks in place if they are left slightly open?

· Are all windows closed and locked every night?

· Are all windows closed and locked during the day or any time that no one is home?

· Are all windows closed and locked every time you leave the house, even if it is only briefly?

 

Outdoor Security Features

 

· Are shrubs and trees kept trimmed so they cannot provide a potential hiding place for someone?

· Is the address clearly marked on the front of the residence so it can be easily seen both during the daytime and at night?

· Do you have porch lights above every exterior door?

· Are the lights turned on as soon as it gets dark every night, or are they motion-detector or light sensor activated?

· Are any darkened areas near gates, garages or sheds illuminated by motion-detector lights?

· Are gate latches and shed doors secured with strong padlocks?

 

Property / Valuables

 

· Do you have a central inventory of all important property, including make, model, description and serial number for each item?

· Do you have a photographic or video record of all valuable items, especially things like jewelry, antiques and firearms?

· Are appliances and electronics engraved or otherwise marked with identification information, such as a driver’s license number? (NEVER use your Social Security Number!)

· Is a copy of these records kept outside the home in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box?

· Are outdoor items (e.g. barbecue grill, lawn mower, etc.) stored in a locked shed or garage?

· Are tools engraved with identification information and secured in a locking toolbox?

· Are all bicycles secured with a strong lock, such as a U-Bar lock?

· Are firearms stored unloaded and locked in storage boxes or a safe?

 

Security While Away From Home - Vacations / Extended Absences

 

· Are automatic timers used on several lights and appliances (stereos, TV’s, etc.) throughout the house - set to turn on and off at various logical times of each day?

· Is alarm system activated (if applicable)?

· Have mail and newspaper deliveries been stopped or have arrangements been made for a neighbor, friend or family member to pick them up daily?

· Have arrangements been made for someone to put out your trash and/or recycling for collection on the designated day(s) and to put away the containers promptly?

· Have arrangements been made for someone to maintain your yard and/or shovel the sidewalk and driveway (depending on weather) and occasionally park in your driveway?

· Are automatic garage doors disabled and locked?

Home Security Checklist