By Betty Berry, Wednesday, November 4, 2009 Q: Do I imagine it or are there more burglaries? It seems that is all you read about in the paper or see on TV news. As a senior living alone, I wonder what I can do to make my home safer?
A: This is a good time of year to ask this question and review safety measures, since the holiday season is a time when some crimes seem to increase.
I did some research on your questions and was surprised to learn how many people are lax about their safety. I was told that more than one-third of residential burglaries are not truly break-ins; the home is simply entered through an unlocked window or door.
There are a number of simple security steps that can be taken to decrease your odds of becoming a victim of burglary.
First let’s talk about doors. All exterior doors, including doors into an attached garage, should be fitted with high-security deadbolts in addition to keyed knob sets. If your outside door has a window, the glass should be strong enough to prevent someone from breaking it and reaching the interior locks.
Exterior doors should be solid and door frames in good condition so the doors fit snugly. If you can’t view the outside from a nearby window, then the door should have a peephole.
Sliding doors are another problem. The moveable panel (the slider) should always be on the inside so that a bar can be placed in the track. A lock placed at the top of the door will add security.
Windows should be fitted with good-quality window locks. Sliding windows, like sliding doors, should have a bar placed in the track.
If you just moved or if you lose a key or your keys are in the possession of someone you don’t want to have access to your home, you should have your locks rekeyed. It is a simple process and not too expensive but a good safety measure.
Now that your locks are in good condition and you have a set of keys that no one else possesses, make sure you lock up securely every time you leave the house. Also, while you are home, all outside doors should remain locked.
Never hide house keys in a mailbox or planter or under the welcome mat; burglars do know where to look.
Lighting is another way to discourage intruders. Make sure all entrance areas and yards are well-lighted. Turn these lights on whether you are home or away.
If you are going out, leave several interior lights on. It will give your home the appearance of being occupied and avoid your coming into a dark house on your return.
Doors and windows should not be hidden by overgrown shrubbery. Prune it back and remove any tree limbs that would give an intruder access to second-story windows.
Just an added note about not locking windows and doors: Many automobile thefts are also made easy by leaving doors unlocked and in many cases with keys still in the ignition.
Take an extra second or two to make sure you have secured your home and car. It takes much longer to sort out the problem once it has occurred.
Happenings
Saturday: Conference for seniors and caregivers, “Coping and Caring,” 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ventura Adult and Continuing Education Center, 5200 Valentine Road, Suite 101, Ventura; for details and reservations, call 654-3217.
The event is sponsored by Ventura County Human Services Agency’s In-Home Support Services-Public Authority and the Area Agency on Aging.
Nov. 13: Seminar on Medicare changes for 2010, from 2 to 4 p.m., Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks; for reservations, call 381-2744.
This is to be facilitated by the Senior Concerns advocate.
— Betty Berry is a senior advocate for Senior Concerns. The advocates are at the Goebel Senior Adult Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; call 495-6250 or e-mail betty@seniorconcerns.org (please include your telephone number). You are invited to submit questions on senior issues.