Residential burglars typically drive around our city during the day when most people are at work, looking for nice homes in a quiet area.

The first thing many burglars do is check to see if anyone is home. Sometimes the burglar will simply knock on the front door. If someone answers, he or she may make up an excuse for the disturbance, such as being lost, needing directions, solicit some type of service or product, or ask for someone that does not live there.  If the knock at the door goes unanswered, the burglar may turn the door knob to test for an unlocked or easily accessible door. You should consider this to be suspicious.

We know that in most residential burglaries, the point of entry is the side or rear of the residence, out of sight of any passers-by. Traditional locks aren’t always the answer to home protection. On average, burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds on defeating locks to gain entry to a home. To better protect your home, homeowners should consider upgrading to deadbolts and reinforcing the frame of their doors to make a break-in more strenuous for the burglar.

If something or someone appears suspicious, immediately contact the police department, or dial 9-1-1 to report a crime in progress.