Ned Hibberd's Blog

Yesterday I covered Sugar Land's first home-invasion crime of 2008.

Two masked men kicked in a back door, confronted the homeowners in their bedroom, tied them up and beat them, before making off with their valuables.

Sugar Land police gave me several terrific tips for preventing just this type of home invasion, and I want to pass those tips on to you.

First, officers recommend an alarm system that is activated, even when you're home.  Be sure to display the alarm company sign prominently in your front yard.

Second, make sure the exterior of your home is well-lit.  One especially effective tool is a porch light with a motion detector.  Notice I said a "porch" light.  This is important.  Crooks know about those dual spotlights that blink on when there's movement nearby.  And they know those are automatic.

But if it's a "porch" light that comes on, the bad guys won't be sure.  They may think someone noticed them and flipped on the light to look out the window.  They may believe that person could be 15 seconds from calling the cops.

Third, reinforce your door jambs to prevent kick-ins.  Replace the standard latch screws with extra-long wood screws, so they really bite deep into the door jamb.  Think of adding an extra deadbolt.

Fourth, if your bedroom door is hollow, consider replacing it with a solid lockable door with a reinforced jamb.  That can buy you some time, if someone breaks in while you're asleep.

None of these tips, alone, will stop the bad guys.  But all of them, together, may convince crooks that your house isn't worth the trouble.

Ned