Recent stories in the news have prompted the Cicero Police Department to share these helpful tips.
The shifting of seasons brings us rain, wind, snow, and more hours of darkness. With more hours of darkness comes more opportunity for thieves. We value each one of our residents and want them to be safe in their homes with their valuables protected. Below is a list of security suggestions to help you, our friends and neighbors, be safer and more secure in your residence.
Fall Security Suggestions:
*Keep all doors and windows locked, even if you are just going out “for a minute.” If a window is left open a few inches for ventilation, pins or dowels should be inserted in the tracks to prevent someone from opening it more.
*Lock gates, garages, and sheds after each use.
*Store bicycles, mowers, ladders, etc. in a locked garage or shed, or secure them to some stationary point.
*Learn to recognize who belongs in your neighborhood, development, or apartment, i.e., residents, workers, guests, etc.
*Know who’s at your door before opening it. Check photo registration card before dealing with any solicitors, peddlers, interviewers, etc.
*Be suspicious of persons making unsolicited offers of services.
*Never let a stranger enter your home to use the telephone. Offer to make the call yourself in an emergency.
*Call 911 if you are at home and think someone might be breaking in. Call right away, do not hesitate, you can always cancel the call. For non-emergency calls dial 317-773-1282.
*Don’t take direct action yourself. An officer will be dispatched to your address even if you cannot speak or hang up.
*Lock all doors and windows. Use deadbolts, dowels, or locking pins in sliding glass doors and windows to keep them from being pried open.
*Use timers on lights, radios, TV’s, etc. to make them go on and off during the day and night to make your home appear occupied.
*Disconnect your electric garage door opener and padlock the door, preferable on the inside if you are going to be out of town.