Tips For Reducing Theft
These tips were provided by the Apex Police Department:
Motion lights are extremely important to prevent break-ins. Burglars do not like to be seen. If you have motion lights, use them, if not consider installing them in both the front and rear of your homes.
Always keep garages closed, especially at night.
Park your cars in your garages. If this is not a possibility, DO NOT leave purses, wallets, or cell phones in your cars. Keep them locked at all times. Cars parked in your driveway are more susceptible to break-ins than your house.
Keep screens fixed and secure.
If you have an alarm, set it.
Put tools, lawnmowers, etc. away. Do not leave them in the yard or in view from the street.
Keep sheds closed and locked.
If you are going out of town, have your neighbor pick up both newspapers and mail. Purchase timers that leave on a light in the kitchen or the bathroom. Try to leave a different light on each night.
Most importantly, never be afraid to contact the Apex Police if you see something suspicious or out of place. They are more then willing to come check anything out regardless of how unimportant you may think it is. Usually, before someone decides to break into a house they will scope out the neighborhood to see the activity that goes on and how often Police patrol the area.
These tips and other items are posted to our Neighborhood Watch online forum. See Online Forum in the menu.