The Pulse: From the desk of Sheriff Carmine Marceno: Lighting and home security during summer vacation
Residential and vehicular burglaries are usually crimes of opportunity. Burglars carefully determine the ease of entry, visibility to neighbors and the location of surveillance devices.
Criminals attempt to determine whether a home is occupied or vacant, the potential value of property within the home/vehicle and likelihood of being noticed. Unlocked vehicles, especially those parked in poorly-lit areas, are most vulnerable.
Lighting, both interior and exterior, is a remarkable deterrent. Properly installed and aimed exterior lighting tends to dissuade burglars from approaching your home. Motion-sensing lights, installed near the perimeter of your property, often startle would-be burglars and encourage them to move on.
Interior lights controlled by automatic timers give the appearance that residents are at home. Lights left on in a hallway DO NOT imply occupancy and tend to be ignored by criminals. A room utilizing a timer, with closed curtains, provides an illusion of habitation.
Vehicles left at home during summer vacation should be parked in well-lit areas, if possible, and must be locked. Any and all valuables must be removed…including firearms…which should be safely secured during periods of vacation.
If installing new exterior lighting fixtures, consider placing the fixtures/bulbs at a height that makes it difficult or impossible for burglars to reach or easily shatter. (It is important to consider the effect that lighting has on nearby neighbors and passing vehicles. Bright lighting aimed into a neighbor’s home or directly into the eyes of drivers may create problems and/or unsafe conditions.)
We CAN reduce the likelihood of burglary by taking proactive measures, by being good neighbors and by reaching out to law enforcement with any concerns. “See something, say something, make the call!”