 Home Security
- Make sure every external door has a sturdy, well-installed dead bolt
lock.
- Sliding glass doors can be secured by putting a broomstick handle or
a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.
- Lock double-hung windows with key locks or pin windows by drilling a
small hole into a 45-degree angle between the inner and outer frames, then insert a nail
that can be removed.
- Sliding windows can be secured by putting a dowel in the track.
- Instead of hiding keys around the outside of your home, give an extra
key to a neighbor you can trust.
- When you move into a new house or apartment, re-key the locks.
- All outside doors should be metal or solid wood.
- Install a peephole in all entry doors. Door chains break easily and
do not keep intruders out.
- Install outside lights and keep them on at night.
- Keep your yard clean. Prune back shrubbery and cut back tree limbs
from near your home.
- Clearly display your house number so police and other emergency
vehicles can find your home quickly.
- If you travel, create the illusion that you’re at home by
getting some timers that will turn lights on and off. Lights burning 24 hours a day signal
an empty house.
- Leave shades, blinds, and curtains in normal positions.
- Do not let your mail or newspapers pile up. Stop delivery or have a
neighbor pick them up.
- Consider purchasing an alarm system. Shop around not all alarms or
alarm companies are created equal.
- Less expensive options include-sound detection plugs and
motion-sensing devices.
- Ask the Philomath Police Department for a free home security check!
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Vehicle security:
- Roll up all the windows and lock all the doors. Many times crimes are
prevented by doing the simple things.
- If possible park in your garage or driveway. If you have to park
somewhere else attempt to park in a well-lighted area.
- Do not leave any valuable items in your vehicle. If you have to leave
something of value in the vehicle make sure it can not be seen from the outside.
- Keep an extra key in your wallet or purse. Do not keep a key hidden
on your car.
- Use a steering locking device when leaving your car park for any
length of time over a few minutes.
- When stopping for only a few minutes take the keys with you. Do not
leave the vehicle running while you go inside.
- When leaving your vehicle for repairs only give them the ignition key
if possible.
Personal Security:
- Be observant of your surroundings.
- If something does not look or sound right it probably isn’t.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
- Always ask for identification from service, sales, and anyone in
plain clothes representing that they have some official capacity.
- At night walk in pairs if possible. Do not talk to strangers. Seek
out professional law enforcement or other emergency personnel for help if a problem
arises.
- Always carry identification and any medical notifications with you.
- Carry your purse or other items of value tightly.
- If all they want is property, let them have it. You do not need to
get hurt for something that can be replaced.
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Benton County Sheriff’s Office Web site |
