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Show n t Ml 'I 8 4 'i 1 Newspapers strewn across driveway, nodfv Iwrtfars that a home has been temporarily vacated and is easy mark for theft. precautions a person can have. Officer Vaughan said. He explained that neighbors can often thwart a crime by keeping a watch out for people who shouldn't be there and contacting the police if such a situation occurs. He said he set up lectures for aeighborhood groups on home security and found neighbors discussing safety procedures for their area afterwards. He said he felt the neighborhood meetings were successful because one out of every three homes had at least one representative attend. Upgraliiit: tlie security s btem on a home or business costs a little money, but m the leng run it could save thousands of dollars in property and possibly a life, said Officer Vaughan. He said the first thing every home and business needs is a "good" deadbolt lock on every door. He explained the usual lock system is not good security since most can be easily opened by an experienced burglar. H said 90 percent of all burglaries are done by access through a door. Deadbolt Lock A deadbolt lock prevents the lock from being pried apart from the door jamb. Officer Vaughan said these locks generally cost about (20. A burglar would have to use a portable drill to get through that type of lock. Most are not willing to risk either the time it would take to get through or the noise involved. They'll just go elsewhere. Another security measure to go along with the deadbolt lock is an extra security striker plate anchored Into the door inch bolts. The standard jamb with one and inch. Officer Vaughan explained this bolt is mechanism resists being kicked or knocked in. Although most burglaries are done during the day, Officer Vaughan recommends citizens leave their outdoor lights on all night. He said he figures it only costs about (1 a month and burglars shun lighted areas. Mark Valuables Right now there is a 'iiassle" about the proper way to mark valuables inside a home, Officer Vaughan said. He urged residents considering marking their valuables to get in touch with their local police to have the proper procedure explained. Police agencies have electric engravers available. He said many people have been marking their items with their social security number but "that doesn't work because it's not a unique number. Everybody has one and the Social Security Commission will not gnre numbers out to police agencies" that have recovered merchandise, he said. A more reliable number is the serial number of the property to be marked. Officer Vaughan said. Record Data Officer Vaughan said when the merchandise is marked, the number, color and year of the property should be recorded and stored with valuable papers. He said even if an article is marked in a visible place, it is a giHKl idea to mark it somewhere else too. A neighborhood watch is one of the best security three-quarte- Vacation Checks Cross Police Department also offers a v acation check for residents planning to take trips. Officer Vaughan explained an officer will drive by every day and then get out and walk around the residence. Little things can stop a burglar, Offier Vaughan said. He said stopping the newspaper when you leave on vacation as well as, having someone take care of the yard, gives the appearance of someone being home. Having the inside lightsa on a timer so they are on in the evening can also help stop burglar. But the simplest measure of all is often overlooked. Officer Vaughan said people just won't lock their doors, and until they lock the doors they are inviting illegal entry. The rs five-eight- Woods fill L Prevention Unit Woods Cross began its crime prevention unit two years school at the ago when Officer Vaughan went to a Sunset Police Department sponsored by the Law Enforcement District (made up of Weber, Morgan and Davis counties). The city does not have the manpower to let Officer e crime prevention officer, so he Vaughan act as a a devotes 20 hours each week to crime prevention. Officer Vaughan also trained the other Woods Cross officers in crime prevention. They now all conduct house inspections for people who call requesting them. tJT. C.': ri full-tim- ION iiiSiiiiaBii House Inspections Officer Vaughan said an officer will take about a half hour to go through the home and explain wbat can be done to make it safer. The department will also conduct checks on businesses and give owners tips on what can be done to cut the chances of burglary. Officer Vaughan will also meet with local church, school and neighborhood groups with films and lectures on everything from preventing theft and rape to bicycle safety. A- CO u r3 . .rW-s. ..... A . 4 :r ' as l : ... mm, - fey - r 2 Debbie Clark, Woods Cross secretary, utilizes metal en- - Mill" 4 ' V '111 graver to mark serial number on back of tape recorder. Vti'K' 'III t 4 i Officer Clarence Montgomery explains and i't I effectiveness var-ieti- es of locks. |
