Today on Will It Work Wednesday we talked about security hacks for your home. We got a lot of info about dead bolt locks, which are an easy and inexpensive way to secure your doors. Also suggested were fake security and “beware of dog” signs. Buddy bars for your sliding glass doors and windows and not leaving ladders and shovels in your yard for someone to use to get into your house.

All great tips, but probably one of the best tips came via the Crime Prevention Dept in Albemarle County from Officer Andrew Gluba, Jr. Listen below and hear what he has to say about dead bolts and a free service to Albemarle County residents!

Here is the info that Officer Andrew Gluba, Jr of the Albemarle County Police forwarded to me today. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact them directly. Their info is at the bottom of the tips.

Home Security Tips

Doors and Locks

• All door locks should be rekeyed if home previously owned.
• Deadbolts should be Grade 1 ANSI rated systems.
• The deadbolt “throw” should be at least 1 inch long.
• Should install High Security Strike Plates.
• Three inch screws in strike plate.
• Glass within 40 inches of door should have safety glazing or security grating.
• Exterior doors should be solid core construction.
• Door peephole (180 degree viewer) possibly one at child height too.
• Doors that have exterior hinges should have security hinges or pinned.
• Sliding glass doors should have:

1. Upper tract pinned
2. Three point locking system
3. Security bar in tract

Windows

• For single or double hung windows, consider using window pinning.
• Sliding and single hung windows should have a security bar installed.

Window Air Conditioning Units

• Secured to the bottom of the carrier/window case.
• Window secured or pinned in place.
• The adjustment louvers secured to the window frame.

Exterior Lighting

• Garage and sides adequately lit with motion sensors.
• Front Porch light with screw in sensor, photo cell, or digital control.
• Exterior lighting should be “Full cut off” type fixtures. This puts 100% of the light in the area that should be lit, and avoids “Light Trespass”.  LED type are recommended as they are extremely energy efficient and long lasting.

Landscaping

• All Trees should have branches trimmed to the trunk from a height of 6 feet down.
• No bushes or shrubs taller than 3 feet.
• Thorny vegetation can be used under ground level windows to deter potential thieves.
• The utilization of small gravel under ground level windows (instead of mulch) helps to make noise if an intruder is trying to get close to the window. It should extend at least 2 feet out from the house and at least 3 feet beyond each side of the windows.

When leaving town for an extended period of time, Albemarle residents can utilize our House Check Program.

Auxiliary officers will physically check the house several times a week to be a deterrence as well as detect a break in.  It is a FREE service.  Sign up by following the link:

http://www.albemarle.org/department.asp?department=police&relpage=12411

The Albemarle County Police Crime Prevention Unit conducts FREE home and business Security Assessments.  We are available to inspect and make recommendations to help keep the people that we serve safer.

 

Feel free to contact either:

Officer A.J. Gluba Jr.

Certified Crime Prevention Specialist

434-872-4599

 

Officer Steve Watson

Certified Crime Prevention Specialist

Certified CPTED Practitioner

Albemarle County Police Department

1600 5^th Street Extended Suite D

Charlottesville, VA  22902

434-872-4558

 

And if you’re a renter, it gets a little more complicated when trying to secure things b/c you don’t own the home. Here are some tips from a listener who works with rental properties with some good tips for you.