October is National Crime Prevention Month. Check out these tips from the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office to help deter theft at your home.

Tips for Improving Security Measures at a Residence

Exterior Perimeter

• Are shrubs and bushes within four feet of any sidewalks, drive-ways, doors or gates maintained at a height of not more than two feet?
• Are shrubs and bushes within four feet and eight feet of any sidewalks, driveways, doors or gates maintained at a height of not more than four feet?
• Are ground plants under windows maintained at a height that is below the window sill?
• Are trees trimmed so that the lower branches are more than six feet off the ground?
• Is the front amd rear door well lit?
• Are exterior lights controlled by photocell or by a timer switch?
• Is public or residence lightning sufficient to illuminate all sides of the dwelling?
• Is the residence number easily visible on both the house and the curb?
• Are there any hiding places near the doors, windows, garage or parking area?
• Have your participated in Operation Identification by engraving items of value?

Garage

• Is the garage door locked at all times?
• Does the garage door close tightly?
• Does the overhead door have a track pad lock?
• Do you keep the overhead door closed and locked when not in use?
• Do you remove keys from your motor vehicle(s) when garage is locked?
• Are you careful not to leave garage door openers in vehicles parked outside?
• Is the door leading from the garage into the home either solid wood or metal core?

Doors

• Are all exterior or entrance doors solid core?
• Is the door jamb tightly fastened?
• If the hinge pins are on the outside, are they nonremovable?
• Do exterior doors have wide angle (180?) door viewers?
• Are locks that can be opened from inside at least 40 inches from glass?
• Are strike plates securely fastened to the door jamb with at least 3” screws?
• Have screws been installed in the tracks of sliding glass doors?
• Are locking bars (or “Charlie Bars”) used to secure sliding glass doors?

Locks

• Are deadbolt locks with at least a 1” throw installed on all exterior or entrance doors?
• Have locks been re-keyed since you moved in?

• Have double hung windows been pinned?
• Have screws been installed in the tracks of horizontal sliding glass windows?
• Have crank handles been removed from casement windows?
• Can windows left open for ventilation be secured?
• Do basement windows have security bars, grills or auxiliary locks?
• Are window air conditioners anchored and protected by steel grillwork to prevent removal from the outside?

• Property is equipped with a monitored electronic burglar alarm?
• All exterior openings are contacted?
• The system includes an interior and exterior siren?

• Install glass break sensor.
• Security grade window film (4ml). Conduct research on this subject.
• Install video camera.

Vacation Safety Tips

Doors

• Are all exterior or entrance doors solid core?
• Is the doorjamb tightly fastened?
• Are locks that can be opened from inside at least 40 inches from glass?
• Are strike plates securely fastened to the doorjamb with at least 3” screws?
• Are locking bars (or “Charlie Bars”) used to secure sliding glass doors?

Locks

• Have locks been re-keyed since you moved in?

Windows

• Have double hung windows been pinned?
• Have screws been installed in the tracks of horizontal sliding glass windows?

Additional Tips

• Did you stop all deliveries and arrange for a trusted neighbor or family member to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages?
• Did you ask a trusted neighbor to watch your residence while you are away?
• Did you leave your vacation address and telephone number with a trusted neighbor so they can contact you in case of an emergency?
• Did you test your smoke and burglar alarms?
• Did you arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a lived in look?
• Did you plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times?
• Did you turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low?
• If you have call forwarding, did you have your calls forwarded to a trusted friend or relative?
• Did you leave shades and blinds in a normal position?
• Did you close and lock garage doors and windows?
• Did you ask the local police to place your home on their vacation checklist?

If you witness a crime in progress or wish to report suspicious activity in Fort Bend County:

Dial 9-1-1 for emergencies only
Non-emergencies 281-341-4665 
To report a crime tip 281-341-4686 | 281-342-TIPS (8477)

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