Burglary Prevention Tips for Orlando and Central Florida Residents

Burglary is a fairly common crime, however there are steps residents can take to prevent a burglary. At Adams, Luka, & Benton, we have provided tips to help ensure your home and your family remain safe, and that you avoid becoming the victim of a burglar.

Always lock your doors and windows, even if you intend to be away only a short time.

When you go out, leave a few lights on and even a television or other noise to make it appear that someone is home.

Sliding glass doors can provide easy access for burglars. Have a special lock installed, or place a cut-off broom/mop handle in the track to prevent the door from being opened.

Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. Pushbutton locks are easy for nearly anyone to open, and are no problem for burglars. Extra locks provide extra protection, and make it more difficult for a burglar to gain access.

Maintain your lawn when away on vacation. Nothing alerts a burglar to the fact that no one is home more than an unkempt lawn, piles of mail, or dozens of newspapers. Have a neighbor or family member maintain the exterior of your home so that it isn't obvious you are away.

Equipment left in plain sight is an invitation for a thief. Store barbecue grills, lawn mowers, four wheelers, bicycles, and other valuable items out of sight.

Even when you are home, make sure garages, sheds, and storage buildings are locked.

If your garage, basement, or storage building has windows, make sure they are covered with blinds, shades, or curtains.

Make certain all door hinges on exterior doors are on the inside.

Keep shrubs and trees trimmed, particularly those located close to your home. These are ideal hiding places for intruders.

Make sure your home is well-lit on the outside. Flood lights, landscape lights around walkways and flower/shrub beds, motion sensor lights all help deter burglars, who prefer to target dark homes, rather than those that are lit up.

Avoid leaving a spare key under a flower pot, doormat, or other area. Burglars are smart - they know where to look, regardless of how well-hidden you believe the key is.

Burglars rarely target homes they know are equipped with alarm or security systems. If you do have a system, make sure potential thieves know it by posting a sign in your yard, or a sticker in the window. There are many alarm systems on the market today; speak with several companies to learn what is available, and best for your needs.

When arriving at your home to find a broken door or window:

Do not go inside, as the burglar may still be there.

Call police from your cell phone or a neighbor's phone.

If you see a suspicious person and/or vehicle, write down every detail you notice, including license plate number if possible.

Until police investigate, do not clean up or touch anything - this may destroy potential evidence.

It is a good idea to take photos of your most valuable possessions, a list of serial numbers, and a detailed inventory. Regardless of whether your home is burglarized, having a detailed list and description of valuables and family heirlooms can also come in handy should you have to file a claim with the insurance company following a fire or other disaster.

If you are the victim of a burglary or suspect that something suspicious is going on at a neighbor's home, call the police. Also, keep the "three L's" in mind - Lock your doors, Light up your home, and inform the Law regarding anything suspicious in your neighborhood.