Keeping your Neighborhood Safe Starts With You

I often talk to people who have lived in their Davis County Home and neighborhood most of their life.  And like all of us their home is a safe haven for them and their loved ones.   But when crime takes hold in a neighborhood and community it is earth shattering!  And unfortunately one Kaysville, UT neighborhood has experienced a few minor incidents recently.  So in an effort to spread awareness I felt it was timely to share a few crime prevention tips.  

Unfortunately crime can strike anywhere and anyone.  So whether you've had a recent incident in your neighborhood or not you can take steps to keep your Davis County Home and family safe by practicing crime prevention.  By following as many of the tips listed here you can help deter criminals from targeting you.  And by being ever watchful and vigilant you can help your neighborhood remain the safe haven it has been in the future.  In many cases this only requires a small investment of time or money and goes a long way to help prevent your chances of becoming a victim  of burglary, assault, or vandalism.  So get started now and take a stand against crime!

---

Tips to help keep your home safe

Check the locks:

• Make sure all exterior doors have a sturdy, well installed deadbolt.
  
• Secure sliding glass doors with a commercially available lock or with a large diameter wooden dowel in the track.
  
• Don't hide keys in planters, under door mats, or in electrical outlets or mailboxes, instead give a key to a neighbor you trust incase of an emergency.
  
• Check all doors and windows to be sure they are secure and locked.  
  

Check the doors:

• Locks aren't effective if they're on flimsy doors.  make sure all exterior doors are metal, fiberglass, or solid hardwood.  Many old doors were hollow core - if you have these, replace them right away.
  
• Doors should fit tight with all hinges on the inside.
  
• Install a peephole so you can see who's outside without opening the door.  
  
• Do not count on door chains to keep someone out, they aren't sturdy so it's best to not open the door if a stranger is present.

Check the exterior:

• Turn on all outside lights after dark to illuminate porches, entrances and yards - front and back. Consider timers or sensors that turn on automatically.
  
• Keep shrubs trimmed that hide doors and windows.
  
• Trim tree branches that are near windows that could help a burglar climb into a window.
  
• Keep your yard well maintained and store tools and ladders inside your locked garage, shed, or basement when not in use.
  
• Keep up the appearance of your yard.  Broken street lights, abandoned cars, vacant homes and buildings, graffiti, litter and run-down areas attract crime.
  
• Put lights and radios on timers when your away to create the illusion that someone is at home.  Leave shades, blinds and curtains in normal positions.  Stop the mail and newspapers or ask a neighbor to take them in.  

Remember, if you can get in to your Davis County Home  so can a burglar.  You may also want to consider of an alarm of security system is right for you.