83% of surveyed burglars admit they check a home for alarms before breaking in.
-University of North Carolina survey of 422 convicted burglars
Since we know burglars pay attention to the security efforts, you should ensure you are doing all you can to avoid the prospect of being a victim—to include activating and verifying your home alarm system is working properly.
Here’s the tip of the week: Conduct a thorough home survey. Summer is rapidly approaching. With the hopes of better weather come dreams of long vacations in tropical locations, historic parks, or amusement parks with the kids. The Sheriff’s Office wants to take some of the worrying about your home off of your plate while you’re on that overdue vacation. By submitting a “Patrol Check Request” on our website, it lets us know you will be away from home and provides information needed for us to check on your residence to make sure everything is okay. With a patrol check request, a deputy will swing by your house while you are away to check on your property (time allowing). This service, along with setting your burglary alarm, stopping mail and newspaper service, and making your home look as if someone is there, should provide you with some peace of mind so you can enjoy your time away.
To submit a patrol check request:
• Visit the Sheriff’s Office website at www.county sheriff.sccgov.org,
• Under the “Services” tab, click “Patrol Check Request”,
• Fill in as much information as you can provide for each requested area,
• Click “Submit”.
The information will be sent to our West Valley Substation and a deputy will be able to conduct regular patrol checks of your residence while you are away (email: WVadmin@sheriff.sccgov.org or call (408)-868-6600). To start there’s an informational document to include a home security checklist HERE
SUGGESTION: Team up with your neighbor and go through the security assessment checklist on each other’s home. Alternatively, you can bring in a relative or close friend. The point is to have a dispassionate, fresh set of eyes going through the checklist and looking at your security situation. A third option is to hire a professional firm to conduct a survey. When complete, you should follow-through with the recommendations.
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