Every day, e-mail hoaxes threaten to steal your credit card number, spread computer viruses, or put you on a spam list. There are e-mails that falsely warn of deadly computer viruses. Others play on personal fears – like the one that warns women about gang members cutting off their ankles at convenience stores.
Some tug at the heart, like the one about a 7-year-old cancer victim who gets 7 cents every time your forward her e-mail. Still others try to steal your money, by posing as your Internet service provider and requesting your billing information. Whether started by people with devious intentions or those seeking the thrill of seeing how far a rumor goes, thousands of these e-mail hoaxes circulate across the Internet. Stopping them is nearly impossible, as even the smartest people can be duped by false virus warnings and other hoaxes, especially as new people think they’re helping by passing them along.
The gullibility is to forward these things on, and that’s what keeps this hoaxes alive. People should check with their computer security administrator or an antiviral vendor before forwarding virus alert messages to other people. If one person decides to pass it along to co-workers at a 1,000-employee company, the e-mail can easily translate into hundreds more e-mails sent and received. The “forward to all” chain letters simply clog e-mail networks and allow spammers to glean legitimate e-mail addresses. They use them to send out junk mail and get-rich scams. Think carefully before forwarding any e-mail message.
Hackers can also collect these e-mail addresses and use them as a cover to avoid being tracked when they break into a computer system. “It’s like stealing your identity on the Net”. Scam artists also use e-mail to get to people’s bank accounts. Con artists will send out e-mails and pose as a person’s Internet service provider. They tell customers that their service will be discontinued unless they reaffirm their password and credit card number. Another e-mail ploy is one in which people receive a fake purchase order for an expensive item.
People are told to click on a link at the bottom of the e-mail if they did not make the purchase. Once they do, they are told that to cancel the so-called order, they must then fill out a form with their personal information and credit card number. People should also be careful of “Trojan viruses” hidden inside documents that appear to be April Fool’s Day jokes. Never download a file from people you are not expecting something from, especially if you don’t know the person. Although many of the “forward to all” messages may be benign, they can be painful to organizations and individuals whose names are falsely attributed to the e-mail.
Even if they were once true, e-mail chain letters never die. Take for instance the “missing child alert” that began circulating in 1999 to find a little girl by the name of Kelsey Brooke Jones. She had been missing one day and was found safe at a neighbor’s house. But the e-mail is still passed around the world. Once they’re started, they are virtually impossible to stop.
Take your babysitting responsibility seriously. Part of that responsibility is protecting yourself as well as the children for whom you will be caring. Know your employer before you take the job. Check references if this will be the first time working for this person.
Responsibility
Before accepting the job, get specific instructions about the number and ages of the children, bed times, foods, medicines and other information about personal habits and what is expected of you. Parents typically feel confident with a babysitter who ask questions and who is concerned with the care of the children.
When you accept a job, arrive early to confirm all of this information. Get any additional instructions such as where the parents are going, when they will return, and how they may be contacted. Determine which relative or neighbor can be called in an emergency in the event the parents cannot be reached. Knowing first aid procedures before you take on babysitting jobs will help prepare you for emergencies and may save a life.
When you are babysitting:
DO NOT allow strangers into the house unless your employer specifically informs you to let them in.
DO NOT tell a caller that you are the babysitter alone with the children. Take a message and tell them that the person will return the call momentarily.
DO NOT go outside to investigate suspicious noises or activities. Turn on outside lights and call the police. Be sure that all doors and windows are locked.
Babysitter Checklist:
- Name, address, and phone number of employer
- Directions to job location
- Arrange your transportation to get to the location and return home
- Location and phone number of where employer can be reached in case of emergency
- Alternate person to contact for emergency if employer cannot be reached
- Special instruction from employer
- Locations and instructions on use of safety equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid supplies
- Walk through house with employer to ensure all doors and windows are locked
- Turn outside lights on
- Have emergency numbers and note taking materials by the telephone
When sitting at a home for the first time, the babysitter should obtain important fire and life safety information as well. Make sure the address is clearly posted outside. Write down the address and post it near the telephone. Make sure the phone has a 9-1-1 sticker. Walk through the home to familiarize yourself with the locations of all rooms. Determine which bedrooms children will be sleeping in and make sure there are two exists from each. Locate all exits from the home.
Playing
Although children need you in case of an emergency like fire, injuries, or sickness, they need you to play, too. The good babysitter is a good player. Here are some things children play at and dangers to watch for.
- Toddlers like to throw, hold, drop, tear, grab, and roll. Some dangers – puts things in their mouth, helpless in water, and can easily smother.
- Toddlers are getting into everything. The toddler likes to bang, push, pull, put in, take out, jump, draw, and color. Some dangers – swallowing things, falling, matches and lighters, heaters, poisons, and the stove.
- From the age of three on, children like active physical games, arts and crafts, blocks, pretend, games of skill, and reading. Some dangers – street dangers, falls, stoves, heaters, matches and lighters.
Bring some things to play with like a notebook, magazines, colored paper, color markers, tape, and a flashlight. Surprises for the children will make the job easy for you and fun for them. Make a game of putting things back in their place.
Be Safe
- Never leave children alone. When they are alone, they can have unintentional injuries with matches, gasoline, the stove, water, poisons, falls, and drowning.
- Keep matches and lighters locked away from children.
- Trade sharp and electrical objects for something safe to play with.
- Keep portable heaters away from play areas, curtains, furniture, and the children as well. Contact burns are common for toddlers, especially if they fall against hot surfaces like space heaters.
- Don’t smoke on the job. Babysitters have caused child deaths by smoking.
Cook Safely
- Supervise children when they are in the kitchen. This is the place for injuries with fire and hot liquids.
- You and the children should wear tight sleeves during meal preparation. Loose-fitting clothes can catch fire.
- Turn pot handles inward on the stove so children can’t pull them down.
- Smother a pan fire with a lid. Never use water.
- Roll up appliance cords so they can’t be pulled down.
- Put the baby in the playpen if you have a hot pot or drink in hand, so she can’t get burned.
First Aid
For emergency help, call 9-1-1. Call the parents if you have questions about lesser emergencies. Notify the parents about small injuries when they return.
- For minor cuts, stop bleeding by applying gentle pressure with a clean cloth. Wash the wound and apply a bandage.
- Learn CPR. There are any number of emergencies where your knowledge of CPR could arise and be needed.
- If the child swallows something poisonous, call 9-1-1. Have the container ready so you can read it to the dispatcher on the phone.
- Show children how to stop, drop and roll in case their clothes catch on fire. Rolling smothers the flames. Use a blanket or rug if one is on hand. Call 9-1-1.
- Put cool water on a burn; this slows skin damage. If the skin is already blistered, dead white, brown, or charred, you need emergency help. Call 9-1-1.
Fire Escape Planning
- Check Smoke Detectors
- Plan ahead. Know how to get children out of the bedrooms if the front or back doors are blocked by smoke or fire. Make sure you know in advance what all your escape options are.
- Smoke kills. Shut doors to stop it from advancing.
- Show children how to crawl under smoke to get better air near the floor.
- If there’s a fire, get everybody out and then call 9-1-1 from a neighbor’s house.
- Don’t go back to the burning house. Many people are killed returning to a burning building.
SCHERERVILLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
FREE CAR SEAT INSPECTION SITE
Common Misuses of Car Seats:
- Seat moves more than an inch from side to side
- Retainer clip is not at armpit level
- Harness is not snug enough to the child
- Seatbelt is going through wrong belt path
- L.A.T.C.H. system is used incorrectly
- Child is too small or too big for seat
- Harness is in the wrong slots
- Car seat is more than 5 years old or been involved in an accident
- Belt is going over the stomach and into the neck of the child
- Child under 8 years old with no car seat at all.
90% of all car seats that are inspected by Child Passenger Safety Technicians are improperly installed.
Help us to bring these numbers down and call for an appointment today!!
Schererville Police Department 25 E. Joliet Street Schererville, IN 46375
Call 219-322-5000 and ask for Officer Raul Otano to get your appointment scheduled today!
Click here to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Website.
You Are Going On Vacation – Help Burglars Take One Too!
An empty house is a tempting target for a burglar. Use this checklist of tips to help safeguard your home while you’re away.
- Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them!
- Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you’re away. It’s a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
- Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.
- Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers and packages.
- Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived-in look.
- Plug in timers to turn lights, a radio or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away.
- Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won’t be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
- Don’t announce your absence on answering machine messages.
- Leave your blinds, shades, and curtains in a normal position. Don’t close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
- Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
- Secure storage sheds, attic entrances, and gates.
- Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
- Engrave your valuables. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.
Travel Safely
At home or away, staying alert can save the day!
- If you are driving, make sure your vehicle has been properly serviced and is in suitable condition for the journey.
- Try to have specific directions and routes to your destination.
- If you get lost, call the local police for directions or assistance.
- Always keep your vehicle doors and windows locked.
- At stop lights and other traffic delays, leave enough space in front of your vehicle so that you have an escape option in case of an emergency.
- Let someone know the route you intend to travel and your itinerary. This will help authorities in locating you if there is a need to do so.
- Plan your trip carefully and allow for factors such as weather, fatigue, facilities for lodging, food, and fuel. Be sure you have sufficient finances; either cash, travelers checks, or credit cards.
- Ask the hotel or motel staff about their security measures so you know what to expect.
- Use the hotel safe to store your valuables during your stay.
Staying alert to safety may make your vacation much more pleasant and enjoyable. Being a victim of a crime is no fun. Relax, have fun, and be safe.
The Crime Prevention Triangle
A. Spencer Wilcox Proprietor
In order for Crime to occur, three elements must be present. These are
- Desire
- Ability
- Opportunity
These elements of crime are usually depicted in a triangle.
As with any triangle, if a single leg is missing, a triangle cannot be formed. This holds true in regard to crime as well. If any one of these is missing, no crime will occur.
The main objective of Crime Prevention is to reduce the opportunity for crime, thereby reducing the likelihood that crime will occur. In our “Elements of Crime” Triangle, by removing any one of the legs of the triangle, one removes the crime. One can remove the desire to commit a crime by educating. One can remove the ability to commit a crime by incarcerating, and one can remove the opportunity to commit a crime by target-hardening. Effective Crime Prevention incorporates all of these things.
Removing The Ability to Commit a Crime
There is a great deal of information out there about corrections. However, I think it is becoming more and more obvious that corrections are not the solution to the crime problem. It is currently still vital to the system, and is necessary to have around, yet, it is not the solution to the problem. All it is capable of doing is to remove the ability to perform the crime for a short length of time while the offender is incarcerated.
- Incarceration
- Electronic Home Incarceration
One of the purposes of the local police is to help the community reduce the opportunity to be victimized by crime.
Removing The Opportunity to Commit a Crime
There are three ways to do this, these are:
- Naturally: By utilizing Environmental Measures to reduce the opportunity for crime.
- Organized Measures: Neighborhood Watch
- Police Patrolling
- Crime Prevention Planning
- Target Hardening: To decrease the ability of the criminal to physically cause damage by such means as:
- Improved Doors and Windows
- Improved Locks
- Alarm Systems
- Lighting
Any of these means may be used in performing Crime Prevention. However, the most important part of Crime Prevention is commitment. It is necessary to devote resources, manpower, and most importantly money when undertaking this project. In fact, many agencies do not do so, and the Crime Prevention program falls flat on its face.
It is important to recognize that Crime Prevention is by definition the practice of preventing crime from occurring. Often, law enforcement is stuck with the mentality that
“Our job is to catch the bad guy, and put him in jail.”
Think about it this way: if the crime is prevented, then it is not necessary to arrest anyone. Unfortunately, in an age that requires statistical fact, it is difficult to measure the number of crimes one has prevented. The only way one can effectively do this is to study the performance of Crime Prevention over a period of several years. If one can determine a noticeable drop in crime either through a noticeable change in the Uniform Crime Reports percentages or through crime analysis conducted interdepartmentally, then one can be fairly certain that the crime rate has decreased. When one provides education and prevention programs to certain crime prone areas, and sees a decrease in crime in those areas, one can be fairly certain what to attribute that decrease to.
For some other really great sources of information on Crime Prevention check these links:
- Follow the same common sense rules that you follow in real life.
- Do not give out personal information to strangers. Never tell your computer passwords to anyone who asks for them in a chat room or by instant message. Think very carefully before giving out your real name, address, telephone number, work place, or any other bit of information that someone with negative intent could use to hurt you.
- Never give out your social security number. If you are registering for a service that has a legitimate need for your social security number, provide the information through traditional mail.
- Know who you are doing business with. Check out who you do business with on the Internet, just as you would if you were trying to get your lawn mower repaired, looking for someone to do your taxes, etc.
- Be very selective who you give your credit card number to. Some web sites have special systems for conducting secure credit card transactions by encrypting your information when you order merchandise. They are probably safer than websites without similar programs.
- Do not download file attachments from people you do not know. This applies both to other websites and e-mail. Most computer viruses come in the form of executable files.
- Think before you post your email address. Otherwise, your computer may end up being a dumping ground for junk mail. If you have already become an email junk mail victim, try contacting your service provider to change your email name and leave no forwarding address. If this is unsuccessful, you may need to change your service provider. Then, let only those you wish to communicate with know your new internet address.
Children and Teenagers on the Internet
The Internet provides children and teenagers a whole new world to explore; but, every adventure in life has it hazards. The Internet is no exception. Children and teenagers may be exposed to unacceptable materials featuring sexual, violent or other objectionable subjects.
Teenagers are most likely to participate in online discussions. While most contacts through the internet are harmless, there have been reported cases of pedophiles using online and bulletin board systems to arrange meetings with children and teenagers. These meetings may lead to the injury or molestation of your child.
If you have a reason to believe your child or teen is being lured by someone for this or other illegal purposes, contact the Schererville Police Department immediately.
How to Reduce "Cyberspace Risk" to Your Child or Teen
- There are programs designed to block or filter the materials your computer may call up. These may be purchases at most computer stores, or downloaded through the internet. While providing some help, these programs enjoy limited success. Most service providers do their best to prevent distribution of such materials through their service and offer password protected programs to open certain categories or "chat boxes". The bottom line is, however, basic parenting skills.
- Spend time with your children at the computer. Guide them to areas that will hold their interested, and teach them to use bookmarks. Many parent, family, religious, and hobby magazines list interesting web sites that target specific ages. Review the sites and bookmark those you would like your children to visit.
- If you have older children or teens, ask them to teach you about the computer and the internet. During these sessions, you may learn more than which buttons to push.
- Establish rules for the internet, i.e.:
-
- Determine time of day and the length of time your children may be online.
- Do not give out personal information (i.e. real name, address, phone number, etc.)
- Never agree to personally meet someone unless with that parent. That person
- claiming to be a 12 year old girl may be a 55 year old man!
- Never send your picture.
- Do not answer messages that are inappropriate.
- Tell a parent if someone insists on violating the above rules.
- Talk with your children about the sites they are using and who they are emailing.
- Look at what they are printing (the trash can is a great source of intelligence).
- Review their bookmarks.
- Check the computer's cache. The cache stores every visited page, leaving a great trail. (Kind of like checking your car's odometer the night after.) If your child is clearing the cache after every use, that may also be a clue. If he or she does not know about the cache, do not tell them. The cache should be cleared from time to time to free up space on your hard drive.
This type of crime is on the increase due to the ease with which funds can be transferred via paper or electronic documents. To protect yourself from becoming a victim, you should do the following:
- Get a copy of your own credit report every six months and check it to make sure there aren’t any credit cards or checking accounts you didn’t open.
- Never give your credit card number to someone who calls you on the telephone.
- Read your monthly statements carefully and report any discrepancies immediately.
- Rip up or shred your old checks and bills before putting them in the trash.
- When you renew your driver’s license, don’t use your Social Security number as your license number. There’s no sense in making your Social Security number too easily available.
- Guard the Personal Identification Number (PIN) you use on your various credit cards. Don’t write them down in your personal planner, and don’t leave them on a slip of paper in your purse or wallet.
- Learn to ask “Why?” when people request financial information.
The Facts About Sexual Assault
The Victim: Sexual assault can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time.
The Suspect: The typical stereotype of a sexual assault suspect is a sex-crazed maniac or psychopath. In reality, people who sexually assault not always are strangers to their victims. In more than one third of reported cases, the rapist is an acquaintance, neighbor, friend, or relative.
The Crime: Although sexual conduct is a component of this crime, suspects mainly want to hurt, humiliate, and degrade another human being. Regardless of the sexual nature of the crime, it is a crime of violence.
How can it happen?
- “When the salesman knocked on the door, I let him in. He was friendly at first, then all of the sudden he grabbed me.”
- “I was downstairs in the laundry room of our apartment building. I had been there alone many times before, but this time...”
- “I was walking to work in broad daylight. A car stopped next to me. The driver leaned over and asked for directions. When I got close to the car, he pulled out a gun and told me to get in.”
These simple examples show that the tragedy of sexual assault can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time.
Reduce Your Risk
What Should You Do To Prevent Sexual Assault?
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Stay in well lighted areas as much as possible.
- Walk confidently, directly, at a steady pace. A rapist looks for someone who appears vulnerable.
- Walk on the side of the street facing traffic.
- Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where rapists can hide.
- If you think you are being followed, walk quickly to areas where there are people and lights. If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite direction or walk on the other side of the street.
- Be careful when people stop you for directions or money. Always reply from a distance and never get too close to the car.
- If you are in trouble or feel you are in danger, don’t be afraid to attract help anyway you can. Scream, yell, or run away to safety.
- Always lock your car. Keep your car locked when you are away from it to keep someone from hiding and waiting inside. When you are inside the car, lock the doors for safety.
- Look inside and around your car before you get in.
- Be aware of other people in parking areas, especially those close to your vehicle.
- If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or a police station to get help.
- If your car breaks down, open the hood or attach a white cloth to the antenna. If someone stops to help, stay inside your locked vehicle and ask them to call the police.
- If you choose to carry any type of weapon for self-protection, give careful consideration to your ability and willingness to use it. Remember there is always the chance that it could be taken away and used against you.
What Should You Do If You’re a Victim?
Seek help immediately! If you are injured, call 9-1-1 for medical assistance or go to a hospital emergency room. Important things to remember are that you should not touch anything, change your clothes, wash, bathe, or shower until you have been to the hospital and contacted the police. Doing any of these things will destroy valuable evidence that is needed by the police and the prosecutor to identify, arrest and convict your attacker.
The emotional impact of a sexual assault is great and both medical professionals and law enforcement officers know this. It will be difficult for you to confide in strangers about what has happened to you. Every effort is made to have family members, friends, clergy or anyone you want present to provide support during this difficult time.
The Child Victim
Each year thousands of children suffer some type of sexual abuse. Who is the typical offender? In more than one-third of the sexual abuse cases involving children, the offender is known to the child and its family. In other words, the abuser is often a parent, relative or close family friend.
Because children are so trusting and defenseless, they are especially vulnerable to sexual assault.
Children often make up stories, but they rarely lie about being a victim of sexual assault. If a child tells you about being touched or assaulted, take it seriously. Your response helps determine how the child will react to the abuse. Stay calm. Explain that you are concerned about what happened, and not angry with the child.
Many children feel guilty as if they provoked the assault. Children need to be reassured that they are not to blame, and that they are right to tell you about what happened.
Sometimes a child may be too frightened or confused to talk directly about the abuse. Be alert for any changes in behavior that might hint that the child has suffered a disturbing experience.
Part of the Schererville Police Department's mission is to enhance the quality of life in our town by working cooperatively with the public. To this end, the Schererville Police Department offers residents peace of mind while on vacation by providing them with regular home checks.
Click on the link below to fill out the Vacation Check Request Form and drop it off to the Schererville Police Department, 25 E. Joliet Street, Schererville, IN 46375.
The Schererville Police Department will include your home in our routine daily checks to make sure your home and property are safe.
For further information contact the Schererville Police Department at 322-5000.
Safe Kids is a worldwide campaign working to educate parents and children on awareness and prevention of unintentional childhood injuries in kids ages 14 and under.
The Schererville Safe Kids Chapter, was started up back in 1998, and is coordinated out of Schererville Police Department. This chapter, which is just one of many throughout the state of Indiana, is working hard to help educate Hoosier parents on prevention of unintentional childhood injuries. There are chapters and coalitions working towards this same goal in every state in the United States as well as Worldwide.
In the past years the Schererville Safe kids Chapter has conducted numerous Car Seat Clinics at a variety of locations to inspect, install, and/or educate parents on the proper use of their children’s car seats. We’ve distributed an assortment of car seats to parents who needed them but couldn’t afford them. We’ve also conducted several bicycle safety courses to help educate parents and their kids about bicycle/pedestrian safety and given away bicycle helmets to those who needed them. During these safety courses we always try to have a local bike shop come to the event to inspect participant’s bikes for safety. This is all made possible with the help of community volunteers, clubs, local businesses and organizations.
Currently the police department member who operates this chapter is records secretary Melanie Griffin. Working together with volunteers we coordinate and schedule community events and programs to help educate parents and kids.
Startling Statistics
More than 1,000,000 children under the age of 14 die each year from unintentional injuries caused by fire, scalding, drowning, poisoning, choking, falls, bicycle-related crashes, motor vehicle accidents, and unintentional shootings. Millions more suffer injuries that could have been prevented. It is estimated that 90% of unintentional injuries can be prevented. That’s why it’s important to teach kids how to be safe whether in the home, on their bikes, or in the family car. You can greatly reduce your children’s risk simply by setting some simple rules such as wearing helmets and seat belts.
Deaths: In 1996, unintentional injuries resulted in the death of more than 775 children under the age of 1, 2100 children ages 1 to 4, 1500children ages 5 to 9 and 1800 children ages 10 to 14.
About 660 kids age 14 and under die each year in home fires, a majority of which had no working smoke alarm.
In 2001, 134 children ages 14 and under died in bicycle related crashes and in 2002 nearly 288,900 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for bicycle related injuries.
Car crashes remain the leading cause of unintentional injury-related deaths. Each year approximately 1800 kids under the age of 14 are killed as occupants in motor vehicles. In 2001, 1,579 children under the age of 14 died in motor vehicle crashes.
An estimated 85% of children in child restraint/booster seats are improperly restrained putting them at risk.
As of January 2004 141 children have been killed by passenger air bags. Almost all were either unrestrained or improperly restrained.
Injuries:
Everyday more than 39000 children are injured seriously enough to require medical treatment, totaling more than 14 million children each year.
In 2002, 50% of children under age 14 killed in motor vehicle crashes were not using safety restraints.
Riding unrestrained is the single greatest risk factor for death and injury among child motor vehicle occupants.
Lightweight scooters, which seem to be a hot gift for youngsters, resulted in over 26,000 injuries in 2000 requiring emergency room treatment according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission.
If you are interested in becoming a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, volunteering to assist with an event or would just like your car seat checked contact the Schererville Police Department at (219) 322-5000 and set up an appointment.
To find out more about preventable injuries, the Safe Kids campaign, or to locate local chapters and coalitions visit some of these listed web pages on line.
Car Seat Recommendations For Children
Guide To Child Passsenger Safety
Exterior Doors: Many residential doors feature hollow-core construction and poor locks, which are easily forced or kicked open. For additional protection, you need solid core doors and quality locks.
Arcadia Doors: Many burglars enter homes through improperly secured arcadia doors. Additional locks and security measures will prevent the door from being opened or lifted out of the track.
Screws installed in the track above the sliding door frame will prevent the door from being lifted out of the track. Drill a pilot hole in the top track above, and slightly in, from each corner of the sliding doorframe section and install a screw into each hole. Adjust the screws so that the head of the screw just barely clears the frame when it is moved back and forth.
Double Doors: These doors need solid security as they are easily jimmied or forced open. Flush lever bolts installed at the top and bottom of the doors are recommended. Make sure the bolt is long, sturdy and mounted into a solid door frame.
Doors with Windows: Doors with glass windows or glass ornamentation require double key deadbolt locks. This prevents the burglar from breaking the glass and reaching inside to unlock the door.
The key to a double key deadbolt lock should be left in the lock at all times when someone is home to ensure easy exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.
Garage Doors: Standard locks on garage doors are easily pried, allowing a burglar access to your home without detection. Cane bolts and hasps are excellent protection. Make certain each side of the garage door is secured to prevent prying open a crawl space. Any door leading from the garage into the house should be securely locked. The more barriers you provide against the burglar, the better protected you are.
Hinges: Many homes have doors that open to the outside, exposing the hinge pins. Despite a good strong lock, the burglar can remove the pins and lift the door from the frame.
To prevent this, remove two opposing screws from each leaf of the hinge. Screw a long lag bolt into the frame side of the hinge leaf and saw off the head leaving about ½ inch protruding. Drill out the opposite hold to allow the bolt to enter when the door is closed. Do this to the top and bottom hinge plates.
The burglar can remove the hinge pins, but the door will remain firmly in place. This technique is good for any door, no matter how the hinges have been placed.
Door Viewers: To avoid opening your door without knowing who is there, install a door viewer. This device has to wide-angle lens to let you see someone standing outside your door without opening it.
Spring Latch: Some homes come equipped with this lock. It offers very little protection since the bolt can be slipped with a credit card or knife.
This same lock, with a deadbolt latch, provides more protection, but it too can be forced open.
Deadbolt Locks: A deadbolt lock can provide good protection. When you turn the key, the lock mechanism slides a strong metal bolt from the door into the frame. When you buy a deadbolt lock, make sure that the bolt extends at least one inch from the edge of the door, the connecting screws that hold the lock together are on the inside of the door, the strike plate is attached to the door frame with screws that measure at least three inches in length and that the cylinder has a steel guard around the key section. The cylinder guard should be tapered or rotate freely around the key section to prevent wrenching if it is twisted.
Single Cylinder Deadbolt: A solid bolt, activated by a key from the outside or a knob on the inside, slides into the doorframe. The lock cannot be slipped or easily pried. Deadbolt locks are only as good as the door and frame they are installed in.
Double Cylinder Deadbolt: This lock is basically the same as the single cylinder deadbolt, except that it requires a key to be used from either side to function.
Rim Lock: This lock has either horizontal or vertical deadbolts. It cannot be easily slipped, pried or forced with a wrench. This lock, like all others, requires a strong mounting surface and hardware to be effective.
Padlocks: When selecting padlocks to secure your garage door, storage shed, fence gate or toolbox, do not economize. Low-priced locks are made from low quality materials and easily pried open or cut with bolt cutters. Look for these features when purchasing a padlock:
- Double locking shackle at the toe and heel
- Hardened steel shackle, the larger the diameter the better
- Five pin tumbler
- Key retaining feature (prevents removal of the key when unlocked)
- A strong steel hasp used with the padlock
Sliding Windows: Sliding glass windows should be given the same security treatment as arcadia doors. Use the same supplementary locks or screws in the frame. Screws installed in the track above the sliding window frame will prevent the window from being lifted out of the track.
Drill a pilot hole in the top track above each corner of the window frame and install a screw into each hole. Adjust the screws so that the head of the screw just barely clears the frame when it is moved back and forth.
Casement – Crank Windows: These windows are easily secured. The latch should close properly with the window tight. With the latch in a closed position, drill a small hole through the latch frame and handle. Insert a metal pin through the hole to lock the widow.
For additional security, a small padlock can be used in place of the pin. Key operated replacement latches are also available from a locksmith or hardware store. Keep the key handy in case of emergency.
Double Hung Windows: As easy, inexpensive way to secure your windows is to use the “pin” trick. Drill an angled hole through the top frame of the lower window partially into the frame of the upper window. Then insert the pin ( a nail or an eyebolt that is slightly smaller in diameter than the hole ). The window can’t be opened until you remove the pin. Make a second set of holes with widows partially open so you can have ventilation without inviting intruders.
You also may purchase special key locks for windows at a hardware store.
Below is a list of burglary prevention tips that can help keep your home, valuables and families safe.
- Contact the Schererville Police Department at (219) 322-5000 at least one week before you leave on vacation. The Schererville Police Department informs patrolling officers to keep an eye on a house when they know it is going to be temporarily vacant.
- Visit your neighborhood post office to have mail delivery stopped if you're going to be out of town. Also stop your newspaper delivery. If you are going to be gone for more than a week, have someone cut your grass.
- Close and lock all doors when leaving home for even short periods. More than a quarter of all burglary is without forced entry. Make sure you check the doors of the attached garage and breezeway in addition to all windows, including basement windows.
- Install deadbolt locks on all entry doors. A deadbolt lock is hard to force and doubles your resistance to intrusion. If there are no breakable windows within 40 inches of the lock, you can use a lock with a thumb latch that will let you open the door from the inside without a key. In doors with glass panels use a key lock with a keyhole on both sides.
- Secure all windows. You can lock a double-hung window securely and inexpensively by drilling a hole at a downward angle through the front sash where the sashes overlap. A wooden peg in the hole will keep the window from rising. Check home-improvement, hardware or variety stores for other window-locking ideas and devices.
- Use automatic timers. Some timers can be set to turn on lights, radios and other appliances at the same time each day. Others that are slightly more expensive vary the on and off patterns from day to day to enhance the illusion that someone is home. Setting a timer on a radio tuned to talk-show station might fool burglars into thinking a live conversation is going on if they listen at the window.
- Illuminate the yard. Outdoor lighting is an effective deterrent to burglars. Energy-efficient low-voltage outdoor lights can eliminate the dark spots where a burglar could hide, and a light with a motion sensor is great way to scare off a potential thief.
- Lock up ladders, tools and lawn furniture. Don't invite burglary by providing aids to breaking into your house. A sturdy lawn chair that can be pulled under a window makes getting through that window easier.
- Trim trees and shrubs growing close to the house. To enter your house without making a lot of noise, a burglar needs time to work. Tall bushes and hanging branches can provide shelter while the burglar cases the house or tries to pry open a door or window.
- Start a neighborhood watch program. The Schererville Police Department can help organize a neighborhood watch group that encourages neighbors to watch out for one another. For more information contact the Schererville PD at 219-322-5000. But even without a formal watch group, you should get to know your close neighbors so each of you can help keep the other's house safe.
- Use window and floor alarms. Look around discount and home-improvement stores for inexpensive audible alarms that go off when a window or door is forced. Also available are professionally installed systems that automatically call emergency crews when they sense trouble.
- Inventory your valuables. Place small valuables and important documents in a safety-deposit box.
- Report Suspicious Activity. Your neighbors and you are the first line of defense. Call the police immediately if you see something suspicious. Take notes on what you observed and call the Schererville Police Department immediately at (219) 322-5000.