Weekly Tip - Who's Knocking at My Door?

A topic that is important to all of us is knowing that we are safe in our homes. There are plenty of businesses, organizations and websites that offer burglary prevention tips for while you are gone, but what about some simple steps to help ensure your personal safety while at home? What do you do when someone knocks at your door? What should you do if you see someone suspicious in your neighborhood? Do you lock your front door when working in the back yard? Is the person at your door really legitimate? 

Here are some quick thoughts on staying safe while at home:

• Don’t just answer your door. Use peep holes or sidelight windows to see who is at the door. Ask, “Who’s there?” Inquire with anyone you don’t recognize as to who they are and what their business is. Take a look out your window. Is there a marked service vehicle, a police car, UPS, or vehicle you recognize?
• Always ask for work ID if you are not positive of who they are. 
• If in any doubt, don't open the door. Tell them you are calling the police to check them out.
• Keep your front door locked, especially if you are upstairs, outback, or in another portion of the house. Unlocked doors are an invitation to trouble.
• Keep garages closed. An open garage is an invitation for theft.
• Close and lock windows at night, or at least use a window stop to limit the opening.
• If you have a cordless or cell phone, keep it with you.
• Know your neighbors and your neighborhood. Be familiar with faces and cars. If you see someone in the area that is acting suspicious, on your property or someone else’s, give your local police a call right away.
• Look around as you pull into your driveway or walk outside. Be aware of who and what is around you.

There are times when utility workers, contract tree crews, and even law enforcement may need access to your yard, but rarely your home. Don't fall prey to a ruse or distraction type crime where someone knocks and asks to come inside your home. Unless you have called for service, DO NOT allow them entry and call the police.

Suspects look for victims. They look for a weakness, an opening, an easy target. Some will try and scam or trick you in to allowing them entrance to your home. Make things as difficult as possible. Do use common sense and be proactive about your own and your family’s safety.