New Haven police are reminding residents to secure their homes after several recent break-ins.
Police said on Saturday a man entered a Lynwood Place home through an unlocked door. The occupants were home at the time but no one was injured.
Wednesday, a Chapel Street resident reported his home burglarized when he returned from breakfast. The suspect entered by pushing in a window air conditioner.
Police said both crimes were likely preventable and offer the following tips to keep your home safe.
Report suspicious people and vehicles to police and your neighbors
- Keep doors & windows secured with good quality locks
- Add window casement locks or locking pin to keep windows ‘cracked’ a bit
- Secure window air conditioners to the sash and sill
- Set your burglar alarm – even when you’re at home
- Keep porch lights on all night
- Use motion sensors lights for driveways and back yards
- Trim back trees & shrubbery
- Never let strangers into your home
- Demand and verify identification of utility co. associates, poll takers & sales people.
- Make your home look occupied. Time lights, radios & televisions
- Avoid hiding keys outside. Give a spare to a trusted friend
- Never attach personal information to your key ring
- Arrange for mail pick up if away for more than a few days
- Maintain a clearly visible house number so emergency personnel can find you
- Keep valuables in a hidden secure spot or bank safety deposit box
- Get to know your neighbors
- Report nonworking street lights and tree canopies that are below the lights
- Engrave property with your phone number. Record serial numbers
- Don’t ignore audible alarms. Call the Police
- Keep all firearms out of sight and locked up
- Don’t leave ladders outside your home
- Set appropriate privacy settings on social media sites and check them often. If you must post vacation pictures, do so after you’ve returned.