With the recent uptick in burglaries in our neighborhood; my personal thoughts as a retired veteran, US Army Instructor, and National Rifle Association Instructor; and some gentle prodding from my wife, I thought it would be a good time to start writing down my thoughts and pass some personal safety information to everyone.
Why do criminals pick certain areas to target over others? The answer may be as simple as they're criminals and they don't care about you or your property, except how it can profit them in some way. However, I think the answer goes a little further than that. It's easy to target certain areas over others. When do most burglaries take place? At night. Well, how do you combat this you may ask. The answer really depends on how much time, money, and effort you want to invest. After sitting through many anti-terrorism, law enforcement, and other safety classes, it really boils down to turning your outdoor lights on, keeping your car doors locked as well as not leaving things you're not willing to lose inside.
Why should we do all of this? We work hard for our money and that allows us to obtain certain things over time. If you're not concerned with losing things or having stuff stolen, then you're probably living under a false sense of security, and it's only a matter of time before you become a victim of a crime.
Having taken multiple evening strolls around our neighborhood to see what it looks like at night versus the day, I was able to identify many areas in our neighborhood that are vulnerable to vandalism and other potential criminal activity. My wife and I can only do so much as we are just one couple. We love our neighborhood and our neighbors and wish them to feel safe and secure in their homes and possessions. So, here's a list of things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of crime.
1. Turn on your lights at night.
2. If you're going out of town, have a neighbor pick up your mail and sign for any packages.
3. Put your lights on a timer to give your house a lived in look.
4. Trim down bushes to alleviate any potential hiding areas.
5. If you can afford it, install a camera system that has night vision capability.
6. Install an alarm system. There are numerous companies out there that won't gouge you on pricing. (If you follow Dave Ramsey at all, you know he recommends SimpliSafe)
7. Keep your doors and windows locked.
8. Lock your car doors and ensure your windows are rolled up.
9. Don't keep valuables or firearms in your car overnight.(Especially if you park outside)
10. Become part of or establish a neighborhood watch.
I hope this helps out and encourages you to get involved.
