ANDERSON, SC - The City of Anderson Police Department has provided burglary prevention tips. Most Burglaries in your neighborhood are likely being committed by individuals who take advantage of an easy target. Don’t make it easy for them.

• Install a deadbolt lock
  Deadbolts are usually locked with a key from the outside and a thumb on the inside. The cylinder should be pick resistant. Lock your doors every time you leave the house, even if you’re leaving for just a few minutes during the day. The most popular times for Residential Burglaries are weekday daylight hours. In over 1/3 of burglaries, there is no forcible entry-someone forgot to lock the doors.
• Install solid doors
  Outside doors should be metal or solid hardwood and at least 1 ¾ inches thick. Frames must be made of equally strong material and each door must fit its frame securely.
• Keep garage doors closed and locked
• Secure sliding doors and windows
  Cut brooms handle to the length of the bottom track so that the window or door will not slide open when forced. Also, drill one hole through both casings and sliding window and insert a nail or pin.
• Secure sash windows
  To prevent wooden sash windows from being pried open, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window through and into the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or nail. To prevent aluminum sash windows from being broken into, purchase a track lock that blocks the window track.
• Mark your property
  Mark your valuables with an engraver. Marking your property serves as a deterrent to would-be burglars and it helps police in identifying and returning stolen property. Make a property identification list that includes descriptions, serial numbers, etc. Put warning stickers on doors and windows.
• Purchase a burglar alarm
  A home alarm system can be a very effective burglary deterrent and fit into many peoples needs. Remember to test your system monthly.
• Leave a light on
  When leaving on trips, leave a light on in the bathroom. In the bedroom, attach a lamp and radio to a 24hr electric timer set to go on at dusk and off at your bedtime. Close bedroom drapes or blinds.
• Use proper exterior lighting
  Place a light over every door. Double cones lights on each corner of the house will also light up windows. Use sensor lights that activate when someone gets near your property.
• Work together with your neighbors
  When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbors and ask them to watch your property. Have neighbors maintain your yard. When on vacation, have someone cut grass. Shrubbery should not hide neighbors’ view of windows or doors. Have someone pick up newspapers and mail or stop your mail while you are going to be away. Tell neighbors to call police if they notice anything suspicious.