Five Simple Ways to Protect Your Home from Theft

A burglar can snatch jewelry, lap tops, iPods, televisions, cash and family heirlooms. But no matter what they grab during the break-in, there is one thing they steal no matter what - your family's peace of mind.

Aberdeen Township recently experienced a series of home burglaries, and although police believe they caught one man involved in the crimes, here are some safety tips offered on the department's website.

1. Is Anybody in There?

A dark, quiet house is a giveaway and an easy target for a criminal. Police suggest that residents light up the neighborhood by having lights on inside and outside of the home. It should appear at all times that someone is home. Leaving a TV or radio on while out can also help make it seem like someone is someone. For a prolonged absense, such as a vacation or hospital stay, police suggest stopping mail delivery and giving a trusted neighbor a key so they can keep an eye on your home.

2. Identification, Please

Police urge residents to make sure they know their caller's identity before opening the door for them. If the person at your door is a stranger, ask for identification, they suggest. It is also important to remember that solicitors and canvassers are required to obtain a permit from the township or borough clerk. Copies of these permits are on file with the police department, so never be afraid to verify a solicitor.

The same rules apply for those living in apartments. Never let anyone into the building that you do not recognize and do not open your individual apartment door for anyone you do not know and are not expecting, police suggest.

3. "Burglar Proof" Your Doors

The police department suggests making sure the front door is not blocked by shrubbery so it can be viewed by neighbors. They also suggest using a dead-latch or a rim lock as an additional way to secure the front door. A dead-latch is an inexpensive lock set which prevents a burglar from slipping the door open with a plastic credit card and a rim lock is a 1" dead bolt lock that is installed on the inside surface of the door.

Sometimes, the exterior door is installed so that the hinges are on the outside. To protect the door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps:

• Remove two screws, opposite each other, from both leaves of the hinge.
• Insert screw or concrete nail into jamb leaf, protruding 1/2".
• Drill out the opposing screw hole in the door. Do this in the top and bottom hinge of the door. When closed, the hinge pins may be removed, but the door will remain firmly in place.

4. "Burglar Proof" Your Windows

Multiple homes in the "I" section of Strathmore were entered through an unlocked back window, according to the Aberdeen Township Police Department. It is important to lock windows and using a pinned window anti-slide block slide bolt still allows a burglar to pry the window open, according to the township website. Additionally, key locking devices can be a fire exit hazard.

Burglars may also break windows to gain entry. If you are replacing your windows, you may want to consider a stronger, higher-quality glass. Laminated glass is reinforced with a vinyl or a plastic interlayer, which forces a burglar to strike the glass repeatedly in the same spot to make a small opening while creating a lot of noise. Tempered glass is made by placing a piece of regular glass in the oven and bringing it almost to the melting point, and then chilling it rapidly. This makes the glass four to five times stronger, making it more difficult to break. Wired glass adds a visible and physical deterrent. A burglar would have to break the glass and then cut through the wire located within the glass in order to gain entry.

5. Be a Watchful Neighbor 

The easiest way to protect your whole neighborhood from crime is to call the police department if you see anything suspicious. Maybe you notice a van parked in front of the neighbor's house, but you know the neighbor is not home. Or maybe you have noticed someone who does not live in the area walking through backyards or inspecting homes. Or maybe a solicitor came to your door, and although they seemed genuine, they are unlicensed. No matter what happens, if it doesn't seem right, call the police department.