East Precinct Offers Burglary Prevention Tips

Holidays are a time for celebrating, but they are also a time for crime. From packages left on doorsteps to homes left unattended during holiday travels, opportunities abound for criminal activity.

Community Relations Officer Heather Stafford shares some tips to help you better protect your home over the holidays: 

• Exterior doors should have a dead-bolt lock with a minimum 1-inch throw. Always lock the dead-bolt when closing the door.
• Secure sliding glass doors with commercially available bars or locks, or put a wooden dowel or broom handle in the door track. Don’t depend solely on the lock in the sliding glass door.
• Make sure your windows are locked, especially those at ground level. Lock double-hung windows by placing a bolt or nail through a hole drilled at a slight downward angle in a top corner of the inside sash and partway into the outside sash.
• Turn on lights for all porches, entrances, and outside areas.  You can use sensor lights that are activated by motion or darkness.
• Trim any bushes or trees that hide doors, windows or entry ways.
• Do not leave ladders or tools outside when you’re not using them.
• Don’t hide your keys under the doormat or in a flowerpot.  Have a trusted neighbor keep an extra key.
• Consider installing an alarm system and place signage indicating it. Keep the alarm system working properly and armed.
• If you park your car outside of your garage, don’t leave the garage door opener in the car.
• Keep a record of your property in a safe place. Record serial numbers, make and model of manufactured goods.  Record a description and any distinguishing inscriptions on valuables such as jewelry.
• Report any suspicious persons or vehicles to the police.

Follow these steps to help avoid becoming a victim, Stafford advised. 

If you have any questions, contact Officer Stafford at 678-442-5618 or heather.stafford@gwinnettcounty.com.

To report a crime, call 911 for emergencies or 770-513-5100 for non-emergencies