Safety tips

I have to tell you, this whole break-in thing that occurred down the street has really shaken me, Stephen, and all of our neighbors up.  People are flocking to gun stores and shooting ranges... getting their alarm systems hooked up... coming up with action plans.  The support from this wonderful town has been amazing.  The sheriff parks his car in front of the targeted house 24/7, to deter any nosy people/news people/unwanted strangers.  They are also having police drive through or neighborhood every hour, just to help us all feel safe.

A Walton Co. detective that lives in our neighborhood spoke to all the neighbors at a meeting the other night.  It was a packed house.  He gave some really good tips/advice, as well as very interesting (and scary) information about crimes and how to keep yourself safe.  I thought I would pass on this information, in case it might help you in the future.

• The detective said that most burglaries happen during the day to houses that appear to be empty. It is a more punishable crime to break into a house with an occupant in it.  The detective recommended that if you are home during the day, to make sure there is a car out that is visible from the street.  If you have a garage, shut the garage and park the car on the driveway.
• The most common things that are burglarized are unlocked cars, garages, and outbuildings (sheds, barns, etc.).  Keep these things closed/locked.  For the first tip listed above, if you park your car on the driveway and shut your garage, make sure you lock your car.
• If someone rings your doorbell and you're not expecting anyone, talk to them through the door.  That way, they know someone is home but you are not opening the door for them to kick it in/enter your house.  If they are solicitors, they have to present you with a license.  If you do open the door and they don't have a license, call the police.  Actual solicitors can be fined $10,000 for not having a license on them, so they know better not to have that with them.
• If someone is at your door and is persistent, tell them through the door that you have a phone and you're going to call 911.  
• If you have glass on your door, or side glass windows, you may want to think about getting a deadbolt that has a key, instead of one that turns.  The key one would require a key to be opened.  If someone breaks part of the glass and reaches his hand in to unlock the locks, they wouldn't be able to unlock the deadbolt part without the key.
• If you hear someone trying to come into your house, you can hit the alarm button on your car remote to scare them off.
• Write down the serial numbers to your electronics.  This can help catch thieves that may steal from you and take the items to a pawn shop.  You can enter your serial numbers into a database, and if your items are stolen, pawn shops can see this when purchasing the items from individuals.
• Buddy up with a nearby neighbor.  If there is strange activity going on, let them know.
• Lastly, the detective said when in doubt, call the police.  He said you should never feel bad about calling.  If it's not an emergency but it's something you're worried about, just tell the officer that it's not an emergency.  

Hope these small steps could help you out.  Stephen and I left that meeting with a list of things we are planning on doing.  You can never be too safe!