Carbon County is considered a tight knit community where neighbors look out for one another which is why reports of home burglaries are very rare. However, it is not a bad idea to take precautionary steps to burglar proof your home to keep yourself, family and personal property safe.

“According to the U.S. Department of Justice there were more than 1.7 million burglaries than last year and losses totaling $3.9 billion. There is eight simple things that your can do,” stated Sheriff Jeff Wood. “You want to make sure that you aren’t being an easy target. If nothing else it gives you the piece of mind that you’ve gone the extra mile to make sure that your house is safe.”

Look at your exterior doors make sure that the locks on the door are secure, including the dead bolt or make the switch to smart locks where a code is used instead of a key. Also, take a look at the door jamb make any necessary reinforcements. Don’t forget to look at the locks on any sliding doors and add reinforcements.

“One simple thing that you can do that is not a lot of money is you can put the loud peel and stick alarms on your windows and doors. It makes a lot of noise and if somebody were to try to break in it would possible scare them away,” said Wood. Installation of this particular item is simple and easy without the help from an electrician.

Homeowners need to take a look at their home to make sure that shrubs and trees don’t present hiding areas for burglars. It is not a bad idea to add motion lights to your home. Look at how secure your mailbox is, does a new box need to be installed or moved to a better location. If you will be gone for several days, ask the Post Office to hold your mail till you return. If an individual can see that your mailbox is over flowing, they will assume no one is home.

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