According to the FBI,

in the U.S., during

2010, a burglary

occurred every 14.6

seconds. The risk of

being burglarized can

be greatly reduced by

taking simple steps to

make your home more

difficult to enter and

less enticing to would-

be burglars.

Alexandria citizens can help deter the crime

of breaking and entering (Burglary) in

Alexandria by:

Locking all outside doors and windows

before you leave the house or go to bed.

Even if it is for a short period of time

(gardening, jogging, etc…) use a high-

quality deadbolt lock.

Always locking your garden sheds and

garages

Keeping lawn mowers, snow blowers,

barbecues, baby strollers and bicycles

stored out of sight

B u rg l a ry P reve n t ion

crime Prevention Tips

Home Security Survey

No house is absolutely burglar-proof when professional burglars target your home. But they would be the first to admit

that you can discourage burglars if you beef up your home security. You can begin this process by identifying your weak

areas and fixing them. The checklist on the back will assist you in systematically surveying your home. Every “No”

answer shows a weak point that may let a burglar into your home. As you eliminate the “No” check marks, you improve

your protection. Remember, this survey will only identify your weak areas. You have not improved your home security

until these are corrected. Complying with these suggestions will not, of course, make your home burglar-proof, but it will

certainly improve your protection.

Alexandria police

Keeping your shrubbery neatly trimmed below the windowsill

Having adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is

recommended for backyards

An alarm system is excellent for home security. Consult with a reputable

alarm company to determine the best alarm system for your needs.

Place double cylin-

der lock on doors

with windows. If

the window is bro-

ken, double cylin-

der locks can’t be

opened.

Sliding glass doors are se-

cured by latches not locks.

They are vulnerable to being

forced open from the outside

because of these inherently

defective latch mechanisms.

This can be easily be pre-

vented by inserting a wooden

dowel or stick into the track

thus preventing or limiting

movement.

Door And Entry Areas (Including Garage Side

Doors)

1. Do you plan so that you do not need to “hide” a key

under the doormat or similar place?

2. Do you know everyone who has a key to your house?

(Or are keys still in the possession of previous owners

and friends?)

3. Are entry areas unobstructed by shrubbery and other

décor to permit maximum visibility?

4. Are your trees and shrubs trimmed to eliminate hiding

places?

5. Are lights installed around the perimeter of your

house?

6. Do the front, back or side porch lights have a mini-

mum 60-watt bulb?

7. Are your exterior doors of solid core construction?

8. Do entry doors have a 190° wide angle viewer?

9. Do exterior doors have cylinder-type dead bolt locks

with at least a one-inch throw and beveled cylinder

guard?

10. Do the doors without cylinder locks have a heavy

bolt or some similar secure device that can be operated

only from the inside?

11. Can all of your doors (basement, porch, French or

balcony) be securely locked?

12. Do your basement doors have locks that allow you to

isolate that part of your house?

13. Are all your locks in good repair?

14. Are the door strike plates (the jamb fastening that

receives the bolt in the locking position) installed with

three-inch screws?

15. Do all out-swinging doors have locking pins or non-

removable hinges with pins?

16. Do sliding doors have an auxiliary lock that locks

both the door panels together? Or do you have a lock that

locks the active side to the frame?

17. Is the garage door secured with a padlock, hasp or

other good auxiliary lock? And do you use it?

18. Do you lock your garage door at night?

21. Do you lock your car and take the keys out even when it is

parked in your garage or driveway?

Windows

22. Are all windows equipped with auxiliary locks or pinned?

23. Have you replaced or secured louvered windows?

24. Are your window locks properly and securely mounted?

25. Do you keep your windows locked when they are shut?

26. Do you have good, secure locks on garage windows?

27. Do you have garage windows covered with curtains or blinds?

28. Are you as careful of basement and second floor windows as

you are of those on the first floor?

When You Are On A Trip

29. Do you arrange for neighbors or friends to pick up newspapers,

mail, packages and other deliveries?

30. Do you notify a neighbor?

31. Do you notify your local police or sheriff’s department? (Some

jurisdictions provide vacation checks of homes.)

32. Do you arrange to keep your lawn maintained?

33. Do you use timing devices to turn your lamps, radios or televi-

sions on and off?

34. Do you arrange to have a neighbor put out your garbage can

PLEASE REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT

INFORMATION MOST OFTEN NEEDED BY POLICE

What happened? When? Where? Is anyone injured? Vehi-

cle license number. Vehicle description. Direction of flight.

Description of persons (including clothing).

NON-EMERGENCY 703-746-4444

EMERGENCY DIAL 911

If you have and questions concerning crime prevention or want a

free security assessment call The Alexandria Police Department’s

Community Relations Section at 703-746-1920 or 703-746-6838

No one can guarantee that your home won’t be burglarized

however; the information within is endorsed by law enforce-

ment and theft prevention experts. Utilizing the information

will lessen the odds against your home being victimized.