Kingsmill Homeowners Association

The Melbourne Police Dept has released some important tips for preventing crime and protecting your home and possessions. 

Burglary and theft are serious crimes that affect the whole community.    Homeowners and vehicle owners can help reduce the number of auto thefts, auto burglaries and home burglaries by following a few simple rules.  We must all work together to help reduce this problem. [...] Note that the Crime Prevention Tips suggested here are intended as an aid to improve your safety and security and are in no way to be considered a guarantee against future criminal incidents.

Please take a moment to review this information.

 

THEFT AND BURGLARY  PREVENTION

Vehicles

• When leaving your vehicle, regardless of the length of time, remove the key from the ignition, close all windows and lock the doors.
• Never leave articles in your vehicle in plain view.  Lock them in your trunk.
• Keep your garage door opener with you.  The thief may attempt to get into your house.
• Never leave your drivers license, vehicle registration, insurance cards or credit cards in your vehicle.  Your identification, once stolen, can be used to commit crimes involving credit card fraud and forgery.

 

 

Home

• Keep your garage door closed and locked. 
• Lock the door that leads from your garage into your house. (Locking doors greatly reduces the chance of theft.)
• Lock your screened porch door and back doors that lead into your home.
• Have adequate exterior lighting around your house.
• If you have an alarm system, please use it.
• Keep your plant growth well trimmed, especially around doors and windows where a person could hide while breaking into your home.
• Be actively involved in your neighborhood watch program.

 

Law enforcement officers report substantial decreases in crime when neighbors unite.  A local program like Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective answers law enforcement has to stopping crime.  Watch Groups build neighborhood togetherness which helps overcome the isolation created and fed upon by crime.

 For further information or if you want to start a Neighborhood Watch in your area contact the Crime Prevention Unit at 984-7272.  If you see crime occurring call 911.

 ALWAYS:   Report any incident of burglary or attempted burglary.

 

HOME SECURITY

1. LOCKS: Secure doors with a good quality single or double-cylinder lock. Features of a good deadbolt are:

1. Minimum 1″ bolt throw.
2. Hardened steel insert in bolt.
3. Tapered or free-turning cylinder guards to resist attempts to twist or wrench the lock from the door.
4. Strike plates should be attached to wood door frame with not less than two 2 ½”-3″ wood screws. Strike plates, when attached to metal, should be attached with not less than two No. 8 machine screws. Be sure to use screws of sufficient length to reach the wood studding beyond the door frame.
5. If glass is within 40″ of locking hardware, a double-cylinder deadbolt lock may be considered for maximum security. 

2. DOOR VIEWER: Install a wide-angle door viewer of not less than 190 degrees.

3. HINGES: To protect the door from being lifted from its hinges by pulling the hinge pin, follow these simple steps:

1. Insert a framing (2-headed) nail into the doorjamb 1″ below the top hinge and 1″ above the bottom hinge. The second head will protrude about ½”.
2. Drill a hole about ½” deep into the inner side of the door to accommodate the nail when the door is closed.

4. KICK PANEL: If the door has a kick panel, it may be kicked in, enabling the burglar to reach in and unlatch the lock. To alleviate this problem, replace with a solid core door or cover the panel with a grillwork or ½” plywood or heavy-gauge, impact-resistant plastic, such as Plexiglas. Fasten the plywood, grillwork, or Plexiglas to the door with the carriage bolts or other types of bolts or screws that cannot be removed from the exterior of the door. If the door has a window, protect with grillwork or Plexiglas.

5. HOLLOW CORE DOORS: Replace hollow core doors with solid core doors or face the hollow door with ½” plywood. Fasten the carriage bolts.

6. SLIDING DOOR: The sliding door can be lifted from its track. To prevent this, with the door in the full open position, insert a 2ft. length of wood framing in the upper channel of the door frame. The wood must be the width of the channel. Screw the wood firmly into the frame channel, making sure the door will still slide freely. An alternative method is to drill four staggered holes in the upper channel of the door frame. Install sheet metal screws, letting them protrude just enough so the door can slide freely. Note: Use the first method if door has a hollow channel on top. Also consider a keyed sliding door lock that locks on the inside of the frame.

7. SLIDING WINDOWS: The sliding window can also be lifted out of its track. Drill holes, putting sheet metal screws in the upper channel across the top. Screw heads must be large enough so they do not drop down into the channel. An alternative method is to slide a wooden dowel in the upper channel of the window to prevent the window from being lifted out, but still allowing it to slide. Also add an anti-slide device, screw-on, slide bolt or key lock.

8. DOUBLE-HUNG WINDOWS: To properly secure double-hung windows, drill a downward sloping hole into the top of the bottom window (each corner) through, and into, the bottom of the top window and insert a pin or carriage bolt which can be easily removed by hand. Another consideration would be to replace existing thumb latch with a keyed locking device.

9. LOUVERED WINDOWS are poor security risks. Remove and replace with solid glass, or another type of ventilating window, or put epoxy glue on the ends of the glass to permanently attach the panes to the frame to prevent easy removal. If these methods are not feasible, protect the window with a grate or grill.

10. SLIDE BOLTS AND PADLOCKS are recommended for both exterior sides of the garage door. Because of the amount of flex in the door, one slide bolt and padlock is not sufficient. Be sure that the slide bolts are of case-hardened metal. When installed, carriage bolts should be inserted from the outside to prevent removal. If it is convenient to lock the garage door from the inside, another method of securing the door is to drill a hole through the bottom frame at both ends of the door and into the concrete at least three inches. Then insert a cane bolt or ½” heavy bolt through the frame and into the floor. Roll-up garage doors can be secured by drilling a hole in the middle of the track behind the last roller and inserting a padlock on each side. If the door is secured with an automatic door opener, also use inside cane or slide bolts for added security when away for extended periods.

11. LIGHTING: One key to burglary prevention is adequate interior and exterior lighting. For the interior of the home, timers on the lights are recommended. For the exterior, each outside doorway should be lighted with a minimum of a 60 watt light over the entrances. For homes with wide or deep yards or parking areas, a high-pressure sodium security light with a light sensor (photo-electric cell) may be considered.

12. EXTERIOR ELECTRICAL BOXES: Place a padlock on exterior electrical boxes to prevent someone from turning off the power to the residence. Note: Keep the key readily available in case of emergency.

13. GATES should be equipped with a hasp, latch, or slide bolt made of hardened metal. The hasp, latch, or slide bolt must be installed with carriage bolts through the door or gate. Use large washers on the inside. After the nuts are secured, deface the threads of the bolt ends to keep the nuts from being removed. Use a good padlock to secure the door or gate.

14. ALL PADLOCKS should be of case-hardened metal construction and have both heel and toe locking features with a minimum 9/32″ shackle. (Naturally, heavier shackles offer additional security.)

15. SHRUBBERY provides concealment for burglars. Always keep it trimmed, away from doors, windows, and yard lighting.

16. PROPERTY IDENTIFICATION: It is recommended that you engrave your Driver’s License number or some other type of lettering in an obvious place on your valuable property. (Example: B620-xxx.) This enables the Police to identify your property. In addition, it acts as a deterrent to a burglar, as most burglars do not like to take engraved items. If you own property that cannot be engraved you should photograph each item individually. On the back of each photograph write a description, the date of purchase and the serial number. It is strongly recommended that you keep an inventory list of all your property, listing serial numbers, when applicable.

17. SMOKE DETECTORS should be used in all homes and apartments for early warning of fire to allow for escape.

 

APARTMENT SAFETY

Avoid using the Laundromat in your apartment complex by yourself, especially at nighttime. Team up with a neighbor. If you are a woman living alone, do not place your full name on the identification slot or in the telephone directory. Use first and middle initials. Example: “M.C. Smith” rather than “Mary Smith”. Be especially careful in carport areas. Lock your car. When entering or leaving, look around and be sure no one is lurking in the area. If you do see someone loitering (that doesn’t belong) leave immediately and notify the manager or call the police.

If there is a storage compartment in the carport, don’t place valuable items in them and expect that they will be secure. A good quality padlock should be used with a well secured hasp. Don’t leave notes for the paper-boy or building manager advertising your absence. Have deliveries picked up by a friend or neighbor while on vacation. Use a timer for lamp or radio to give your apartment an occupied sound or look.

Develop a buddy system or apartment alert system with your neighbors in the apartment house to help protect each other’s property. A well organized and active tenant association would be most helpful. Notify the building manager if you leave for an extended vacation and whether you will have a house sitter or someone caring for your apartment. Observe elevator interior before entering. Wait until the next elevator if you are uncertain of any occupant. Females riding alone should always stand near the control panel. If accosted, press all buttons including the alarm. If a suspicious person enters the elevator, exit before the door closes. Also, before exiting from the elevator, observe the corridor for suspicious activity.

A key cylinder should be changed within the lock if keys are lost and they clearly identify the location of your building or apartment. This should also be done if the apartment was formerly occupied and you are the new tenant.  So many burglaries could be prevented if more people would report suspicious happenings. When you see a stranger carrying items out of a neighbor’s apartment, PLEASE CALL. Don’t feel like you are being a nuisance, the police will welcome your alertness.

 

VACATION SECURITY

Before Leaving

• Inform your neighbors of how long you expect to be away. Inform them if you will have a house sitter.
• Have a friend or neighbor pick up mail and/or deliveries. Make arrangements to have the lawn mowed and leaves picked up.
• Simulate a “lived-in” appearance by using timers to run lights and a radio on and off during expected hours.

On the Road

• Never carry large amounts of cash; use travelers checks. If you must carry a large sum of money, do not display it openly.
• Keep a record of your traveler’s check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.
• Take only credit cards that you actually plan to use. Make a Xerox copy of all your cards before you leave home so you have a record of the card numbers.
• Be aware of your surroundings and never advertise your plans to strangers. This includes travel routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.

Car Rental and Security

• When renting a car, pick one whose operations you are familiar with. If not, take time to see where the lights, brakes, turn signals, windshield wipers, and spare tire are and how they work.
• Don’t rent a car at night. Stay in the hotel and rent it in the morning.
• Always lock your car when entering or leaving it.
• Park in well-lighted, busy areas and check the vehicle’s interior and surrounding area before entering..
• Always lock valuables out of sight. Always carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you.
• Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.
• If you do become lost, drive to a public place to check the map. Don’t stop along a street or the highway.

Sight-seeing

• Remember the name and address of the hotel/motel where you are staying. Take a business card or a book of matches with the name of the hotel/motel.
• Ask for directions at a hotel/motel on how to get to those attractions you want to visit. Ask if there any areas of town to avoid.
• Select your guides carefully.
• Ask if there are any areas in town you should avoid. Stick to well-lighted main streets and public areas.
• Only carry with you the cash you will need, and only in small denominations.

Hotel and Motel Security

When staying overnight at a hotel or motel, remember the following:

• Determine the most direct route to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest phone.
• When occupying or leaving your room, use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows.
• Identify anyone requesting entry to your room. Open the door only if you are certain that the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room. If in doubt, call the hotel/motel office.
• Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things so you’ll know if anything is missing. When you leave your room, close up your suitcase.
• Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.
• Never leave money, checks, credit cards or car keys in the room. Take them with you.
• Place extra cash, expensive jewelry or other valuables (furs, gems, gold, or silver) in the hotel/motel safe.
• Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.
• Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms.

On the Town

• Never display large amounts of cash when making purchases. It is better to use traveler’s checks or credit cards.
• Men should carry wallets in an inside coat or trouser pocket.
• A woman should hold her purse close to her side when walking. Be sure the purse is closed tightly and that the opening is facing the body.
• Don’t stop to give money to panhandlers.
• Be aware of your surroundings and those around you. If you feel threatened or uncomfortable, seek help.

 

AUTO SECURITY

Securing your vehicle can be one of the most difficult jobs in your effort to protect your personal belongings. Theft of stereos and other valuables from cars is a prevalent crime during late night hours when most are asleep.

1. Whenever possible, park where there is good lighting and in a spot that is visible to potential eyewitnesses.
2. Do not store valuables in your car, even in the trunk. Thieves often will force open trunks especially at shopping center and beach parking lots looking for concealed items.
3. The installation of an alarm system that detects glass breakage can protect most car stereos from theft. Make sure that you can adjust the sensitivity so that false alarms will be eliminated.
4. Do not leave your car running unattended.
5. PLEASE LOCK YOUR CAR AND TAKE YOU KEYS WITH YOU

 

ANNOYING PHONE CALLS

 For all the convenience that the telephone brings, many have experienced the aggravation and annoyance of harassing phone calls. The following are guidelines to reduce this type of nuisance:

• Do not admit to a stranger that you are alone. Also, instruct your children, when alone, to say that Mom or Dad is busy and to ask the caller to leave a message or call back.
• Consider having an unlisted telephone number. Avoid giving out your home phone number to strangers.
• If you are asked for your phone number on a check or credit card transaction, furnish a work phone instead of your home number.
• If you must be listed in the telephone directory, ask that your address and first name be removed. Your first initial and last name should be sufficient.
• If you receive telemarketing calls, just do not hang up.  Tell the caller you want to be placed on the do not call list. They are required by law to place you on this list.
• Telemarketing calls are becoming a big problem.  Most of these calls are computer generated and call numerous numbers at the same time.  If you are getting calls and after a few short seconds the phone hangs up, this in most cases is a telemarketing call.   They usually come in between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Consumer Protection

• NEVER give out personal financial information or credit card numbers during unsolicited telephone calls from people you don’t know.
• Don’t fall for con artists who claim that you’ve won a prize and who ask for a credit card number for “proper identification”. Tell such callers to notify you by mail of your good fortune.
• Some organizations and charities solicit for funds by telephone. If you are interested in supporting a particular cause described by a phone solicitor, ask them to send you additional details and a pledge card by mail.

Harassing Calls

• Hang up immediately on obscene callers or strangers who ask questions regarding private matters. Many such callers are merely seeking an emotional response and will discontinue their harassment if you avoid a reaction of fear or anger.
• Allow your answering machine to screen your calls. Tell your friends and relatives that you will pick up the phone when you hear them talking into the machine. Your outgoing message should not reveal your identity or that you are away. Change the recording or use the voice of a friend, if necessary.
• If you begin receiving repeated harassing or obscene phone calls, make note of the date and time of each incident and the characteristics of the call. Include details such as specific wording of call, caller’s voice, and background sounds. Avoid conversing with the caller or lingering on the phone, however.
• Chronic harassing phone calls should be reported to the Sheriff’s Department. Consider changing your telephone number and carefully screening who you provide your new number to.