RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS, Revisited (Again)

Looking at some of the postings on social media, one might get the erroneous impression that Kennydale is a hotbed of crime.  The reality is,  Kennydale compares very favorably with other Renton neighborhoods as to occurrences of crime (check it out yourself on www.crimereports.com ) .  But crimes do happen here, and in our opinion the best course of action for all citizens is to read and adopt the following list of Residential Burglary Prevention Tips, which has been available from the Renton Police Dept. for some time.  These Tips have been provided at neighborhood Block Watch meetings, in the Kennydale News and through presentations at KNA Neighborhood meetings by Officer Cyndie Parks, RPD’s Community Program Coordinator.  For those of you who have implemented some or many of these Tips, congratulations!  For those of you who haven’t, now is the time to stop being a potential (or actual) victim by implementing whichever of the following precautions apply to your particular home: About a dozen of these cost you nothing in time or money! We have highlighted those in bold: 1)     Install lights by all exterior doors, and the motion detecting type at front and garage doors (or install LED lamps on a timer and run them all night).  Make sure your fixtures have glass covers that are not easily removed.2)     Trim shrubs back from doors and windows3)     Don’t leave exterior lights on during the daytime; that suggests that you are away from home4)     Always close your garage door, and cover “view” windows so that no one can see inside5)     Leave nothing in your car (especially the garage door opener); lock it up; park in garage if possible6)     Secure outdoor sheds with a high quality lock (bolt cutters will cut most padlocks) 7)     Always lock your doors and windows, even when you’re at home8)     Use solid core or metal exterior doors9)     Install 4-screw strike plates with 3” wood screws to penetrate the stud within your door frame on all exterior entry doors10)  Use deadbolt locks on exterior doors and double-cylinder deadbolt locks if glass is within 3 feet of the lock11)   Install peepholes on doors with 160 degree views (if you don’t have  a window near the door)12)   Do not hide keys outside; leave them with a trusted neighbor13)   Add drop bars, wooden dowels, or pinning devices to windows and sliding glass doors14)   Keep valuables in a safe deposit box15)   Use a locking, heavy-duty metal mailbox (not plastic) *16)   Take outgoing mail directly to the post office or a blue Postal pick-up box17)   Never let strangers into your home.  If someone knocks, answer them through a closed, locked door and keep it locked until you verify that they have legitimate business with you. Check their ID18)   Never leave notes for anyone on the door19)   Consider installing a residential alarm system*20)   Consider installing a good quality video surveillance system*   WHILE ON VACATION:21)  Place a radio and interior lights on timers22)  Put mail and newspapers on hold23)  Ask your trusted neighbor to pick up any packages or fliers from your driveway or porch, and to “keep an eye on things”24) Sign up with the Renton Police Department’s Vacation House Check Program (425)430-7571 or www.rentonwa.gov .  * When shopping for a locking mailbox, residential alarm system, or video surveillance system, do your research!  Amazon.com appears to be an excellent place to find out what’s available, and to learn what their other customers like – or don’t like – about these types of products. When you are ready to make a purchase, also keep in mind our local stores here in Renton!   Please note that prices for alarm systems and monitoring vary widely.  Systems that include mandatory monitoring, annual contracts, etc. can be very expensive.  The City of Renton has posted some very revealing information on this subject.  To learn more, go to www.old.rentonwa.gov and then follow the path: Living>Law Enforcement and Crime Prevention>Crime Prevention>Home Security Systems It is the responsibility of every citizen to be vigilant, take the proper steps to protect yourselves and your property, and call 911 if you see: a crime in progress; any suspicious activity; or any time a person fears for their safety or the safety of others.  There are other good reasons for calling 911, too.  For a full discussion, go to the City of Renton website at www.old.rentonwa.gov and follow the links:  Emergencies>9-1-1