Police Security tips
Courtesy of the Independence Police Department
All exterior doors are constructed of metal or solid core wood and secured with deadbolt locks.
Doors and windows are locked at all times.
Hinges and door frames are sturdy, with less than one-eighth of an inch between the door and the frame.
All double-hung windows are secured with removable pins.
Sliding glass doors are secured with removable pins or with a bar placed inside the track.
Good lighting is provided near each entry point, including back doors and side windows.
Yards and porches are well-lit.
All greenery is trimmed below the bottom ledge of windows and away from doorways.
Tree limbs and trellises are kept away from second floor windows where burglars might use them to climb inside.
House numbers are well-lit and clearly visible from the street to help authorities find your home during a burglary or any emergency.
Arrangements are made for a trusted friend or neighbor to watch for intruders, pick up mail, cut the grass, etc.
Answering machine is turned on to prevent burglars from hearing an unanswered phone.
Timers are set to turn lights and a radio on and off.
Car is left in the driveway to provide the illusion of occupancy.
Vacation address and telephone number are given to a trusted neighbor, in case of an emergency.
Household members know to withhold information such as th~ ir name and address from strangers.
Visitors are always identified through a peephole or window, even if their voice sounds familiar.
Strangers who need help are asked to wait outside as household members make phone calls for them.
Visits from unscheduled repairmen and utility workers are verified with a call to their company.