NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The Barrington Hills Police Department is currently implementing a Neighborhood Watch Program and needs your help. Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon. It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce crime rate and improves relations between police and the community.

How to Crime Proof Your Home

OUTSIDE:

• Prune lower limbs from trees near house.  
• Trim brushes so windows are visible to neighbors.  
• High wooden fences may shield burglars from being seen. 
• Lock ladders and tools.   
• Trellises may assist a burglar in climbing to a second story window.  
• Porches and all entrances to your home should be well lighted.  
• Your house number should be clearly visible to police and firemen.

DOORS:

• Entry doors should be solid core wood at least 1 3/4" thick, or metal.  
• All doors should fit frame tightly with no more than an 1/8" clearance. Special strips are available to cover bigger openings.
• Doors with glass panels should have a metal grille, or break-resistant plastic panel. 
• Use special locks designed for sliding doors, or place broom handle or wood strip in track of closed door.

HINGES:

• Be sure no hinges are on the outside where they can be easily unscrewed.

LOCKS:

• Use a dead bolt door lock with a strike plate attached with 3" screws.  
• Rim mounted lock with dead bolt attaches easily to door surface with long bolts, but is hard to jimmy.  
• Metal bar bracketed against door works well on rear and basement entrances. 
• Typically on sheds, workshops, garage - must be sturdy in construction and hasp must be bolted, not screwed.

KEYS:

• Never carry identification tags on your keys. 
• Don't hide keys outside, burglars know where to look.   
• Have locks re-keyed when moving into a new house or condo.

WINDOWS:

• Install special key lock on double hung windows, don't rely on the thumbturn lock on windows.
• Use metal grilles on espicially vulnerable windows.

SECURITY ALARMS:

• Consider installing an alarm system if your home contains a large amount of valuables.  Install it in an  isolated area if you want more protection.

CRIME INSURANCE:

• Low cost crime insurance is available from the Federal Crime Insurance Program - PO Box 41033,   Washington, D.C. 20014

OPERATION IDENTIFICATION:

• Mark a special identification number on all valuable possessions. Use an electric engraving pen and place OPERATION IDENTIFICATION stickers on your windows.

CAUTIONS:

• Keep daily routine and vacation schedules confidential. 
• Don't allow valuables allowed to be visible through windows.  
• Don't let strangers into your home to use the phone or bathroom.
• Beware that wrong numbers or telephone surveys may be used by burglars to "CASE" your home. 
• Avoid listing your name or address in newspaper advertisements.   
• On days of weddings and funerals fo family members, have a sitter or neighbor watch your home.

VACATION CHECKS:

• Have a friend pickup the newspapers and mail.   
• Advise The Barrington Hills Police Department that you will be away.  
• Use timers to turn lights on and off automatically. 
• Hide garbage cans in garage while your away. 
• Double check locks on all windows and doors. 
• Leave shades and blinds in normal position.   
• Turn telephone ringers down so that burglars won't hear the ring from outside.  
• Stop all delivers to your house, such as newspapers and mail. 
• Have your neighbor walk up and down your steps if it snows to give your home a lived in appearance.  
• In case your home appears to have been broken into, DON'T GO INSIDE, CALL THE POLICE.

There may be more steps you take to protect your home.  If you have any ideas to add, or wish to talk to our Crime Prevention Department, call or e-mail us today.