Home Burglary Is Up; What Are You Doing About YOUR House?
Good morning everyone. First-time blogger, long-time reader.
I recently exchanged emails with Karen, the wonderful editor of this site, and really wanted to offer my perspectives and insight on what homeowners can do to ensure that their homes are secure as can be.
It caught my attention that there has been an increase in burglary reports in the police blotter as of late in Elmhurst. The weather is warm, the economy still isn't great and vacation season is in full swing: Prime time for burglars to target homes.
My intention for this blog is to provide useful security tips, common myths, answer reader questions and be a resource to all. In the next few posts, I will cover door hardware, do-not-duplicate keys, do-it-yourself security upgrades and things to think about.
I welcome questions in regards to physical home security and even in regards to businesses. I am here to be a resource so you can better protect your property and family.
Feel leave comments with your questions. Also, you can follow us on twitter @dupagesecurity and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Yourtrustedlocksmith
Thank you in advance for reading!
—GK
Margaret
1:39 pm on Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Looking forward to your advice.
RK
4:37 pm on Thursday, April 19, 2012
I would like to know what is the age limit in Elmhurst when the children can stay alone for couple of hours especially after school or before school?
Graem Kubin
10:43 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
RK -
That is a valid question - however I am not familiar with the Town's ordinance and restrictions on that. You could probably check with the Village and/or Police Dept. Thank you for the question.
Life.Is.Good
7:03 am on Sunday, April 22, 2012
See link:
http://www.illinoislegalaid.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.dsp_content&contentID=5701
Graem Kubin
11:21 am on Thursday, April 19, 2012
Thank you Margaret, please let me know if you have any questions and I appreciate you passing on the blog info.
Thanks!
Albert Ryba
10:56 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
I heard both pro's and con's about stopping your mail and newspaper delivery while your on vacation. What do you suggest?
AL
Graem Kubin
12:50 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Al,
I have heard both pros and cons as well. I think its a matter of personal preference. My opinion, if you are going to be gone a day or so, then leave the mail. But an extended period of time, I would have mail held. Identity theft is so common these days, and some times a full mailbox is a happy hunting ground for someone trying to get sensitive information.
Graem Kubin
10:57 am on Friday, April 20, 2012
Here is some info from the U.S. Dept of Heath and Human Services http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/homealone.cfm#fn1
It has some different links in it as well. End of the day, doesnt seem like there is a uniform, concrete answer. Again, I would direct you to local Village and Police for their take on it.
Life.Is.Good
7:30 am on Sunday, April 22, 2012
I look forward to your comments & suggestions. Getting a dog is not always practical and installing a home security system may be cost prohibitive. Many people do not set them. Several break-ins gained entry by breaking a window beside the back door. In addition, I do not agree with one bit of the advice the police offered recently, "..have your child talk loudly through the door at the "stranger" on the other side." No kid is going to do this, no matter their age. For starters, we need to look out for one another and call 911 if anything seems or looks the least bit suspicious.
Graem Kubin
12:54 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Home Security Systems are GREAT......however, if your Home Security System is tripped and goes off....then its probably too late as the burglar is already in or has a door/window open. Security systems are really designed to alert home owners when a break-in happens or is in progress.
The first place to look and to "beef" up is your door hardware. I will be posting some info in the next 24 hours on things that can be done with your door hardware to make it less likely to fail during an attempted burglary.