Lincoln County Sheriff’s Detectives Offer Vacation Security Tips

06/13/08

LINCOLNTON -- The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department Detective Division offers some security tips to protect your home and property while you are out of town on vacation this summer.

Most communities across the United States will experience a 10 to 18 percent jump in burglaries during the months of June, July and August with many tending to occur in August. Nationally, nearly 28 percent of those home related burglaries are made without force, meaning through an open window or door. This validates the importance of locking your doors and windows even if you are only away from home five minutes. The average loss per residential burglary equates to about $1,300 per homeowner.

Last year in Lincoln County, residents reported 173 burglaries and 454 larcenies for the 90-day period between June 1, 2007 and August 31, 2007. The number one recommendation for residents to consider is installing a home security or alarm system, which is a very effective deterrent. While searching for targets, thieves usually select a home with easy access and plan to strike while no one is at home. Why not make it difficult for them! A home protected by a security system is three times less likely to be burglarized than one without a system. Security System signs and decals are also an effective deterrent and systems that have 24 hour monitoring can reduce insurance premiums. The best security system is one with a loud inside and exterior alarm with motion sensors in the main living areas and detectors on all windows and doors.

Not all residents desire or want a home security system so you may consider these additional tips that are effective whether you are out of town on vacation or just gone for the day.

• Install key operated dead bolt locks or all exterior doors, install window locks that can be locked when away and easily unlocked when at home, and place bars in the tracks or track locks on all sliding glass doors.

• Stop all deliveries to your home. Newspapers and mail that accumulate are sure giveaways that no one has been home for a while.

• Give a key to a relative or trusted neighbor. Ask them to check your residence as often as possible. Make sure they have your itinerary and emergency contact numbers. Any deliveries that were not stopped should be taken inside. Ask that person to open curtains or blinds periodically and if there is a vehicle left behind to move it to a different location in the yard or driveway. You could also have a neighbor park their car at your residence. The house should continue to look as if someone is home.

• Install timers on a light located in each level of the residence and if possible on a radio/stereo located on the ground level. The timers should be programmed to come at dark and turn off during the day. Install exterior lights with a dusk to dawn photocell or motion sensor.

• Disconnect the garage door opener. Make sure the garage is locked and the door between the garage and the inside of the residence is secure.

• Have your yard taken care of by some you trust. Trim back large shrubs near walkways and windows that may obstruct the view of your residence and make a good hiding place for prowlers.

• Call the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-732-9050 and request they place a “Keep Check” on your residence while you are away.

• Store valuables in a safety deposit box at your local bank.

• Never change your answering machine to say you are out of town and inform as few people as possible that you plan to be out of town on vacation.

• Organize a Community Watch program through the Sheriff’s Office to protect your neighborhood. Contact Leroy Buff at 704-736-8400 for assistance in setting up a program

• Any further questions can be forwarded to Detective Lt. Hal Kluttz of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 704-736-8864.