Mesquite, Nevada Police Offer Top Home Security Tips

Top home security tips continue to be some of the most widely read posts on this blog – and for good reason: according to the FBI, there is a burglary just about every 14 seconds in the US. As residential crime stats remain stubbornly high, and even increase in many jurisdictions, homeowners are lining up to learn the best way to protect their homes and families. To make matters worse, we all need to be especially careful as we approach the holidays, when there is increased risk of a burglar breaking into your home. Fortunately local law enforcement is on the case, and is posting great advice for homeowners all across the US, like this recent advisory from police in Mesquite, Nevada.

"These guys [burglars] are hitting homes during the day and at night. They seem to be people you may not suspect as burglars," explained Jeff Smith, MPD (Mesquite Police Department) Public Information Officer. "We are actively investigating these incidents, but we're asking people to be more vigilant of their own homes," Smith added.

How the Burglars Operate

In recent burglaries it is believed that the burglars are working as a team, with a lookout roaming the neighborhood in vehicle for a quick “pick up” while others will check doors or any other form of easy access into the residence. These burglars are targeting prescription medication or small items that are easily carried out and easy to pawn or sell. In some cases residents were home at the time of the burglary.

Burglary Prevention Tips

Smith provided some simple basics prevention tips to help prevent a burglar from targeting your home:

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break into.
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day. [Check out FrontPoint’s remote lighting controls for the best way to do this.]
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed [or driveway shoveled!] if you are going away for an extended time.
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors. Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen. When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

Targeting the Outside

• Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
• Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
• Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.

Monitored Alarm System

• An alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market.
• Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you.

Most police departments seem to recommend having a home security system – but they don’t always include that extra piece of important advice – arm it. Of course, it’s easier to make sure your home is protected when you can remotely check your alarm system status, and then arm and disarm your system from your smart phone. And when it comes to home safety recommendations, FrontPoint does offer its own list of Top 10 Home Security Tips.

Other Precautions You Should Take

• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home -- this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
• Keep valuables locked up, including prescription medications.
• Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9­1­1 immediately.
• Mark your valuables with your driver's license number with an engraver. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
• Form a Neighborhood Watch Group. Police can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.

FrontPoint is the recognized leader in wireless home security because we combine the most advanced home security and home automation services. Whether it’s more reliable cellular monitoring, notifications and remote arming, video features, or using apps to control lights, locks, and thermostats, FrontPoint has the solution. We provide systems that are safer, smarter, simpler, more affordable, and virtually impossible to defeat – that’s why FrontPoint is the #1 ranked alarm company in the US.  You deserve peace of mind, at home or when you travel, and FrontPoint can help. We’ll keep these great home security tips coming – the rest is up to you!