Residential Burglary Prevention Strategies

The Carbondale Police Department offers a House Watch Program designed as an extra security measure to help reduce a potential burglary while you are away. In addition, the department also offers a Home Security Survey, which provides recommendations to minimize the potential for burglaries.

Both of these programs are available to Carbondale residents at no charge.

Burglary Prevention Tips While Away

• Consider removing electronic equipment (computers, digital cameras, video game systems, etc.) from your residence.
• Have someone you trust check your residence.
• Make arrangements to have your lawn cut or driveway and sidewalk cleared of snow.
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked and functioning correctly.
• Put a hold on your mail and newspapers, or have someone collect them while you are away.
• Use timers for your lights, television, or radio to give the impression that someone is home.

Burglary Prevention Tips While at Home

• Be alert to persons going from house to house, looking in windows, or knocking on doors.
• Beware of burglars posing as solicitors.
• Don’t advertise recently purchased items or gifts received. Put the boxes in your recycling bin or trash container.
• If someone comes to your door needing assistance, offer to call the police while they wait outside.
• Keep all entrances to your residence well-lit and maintain landscaping to prevent hiding places.
• Keep doors and windows locked, even if you are at home, will only be gone briefly, or are “just going next door.”
• Use the property inventory form (PDF) to keep a list of your valuables.
• Make sure all locks are functioning correctly.
• Never allow someone you don’t know into your residence.
• Place valuables out of sight.