Residential Burglary Prevention Strategies

The Carbondale Police Department offers a House Watch Program designed to be an extra security measure to help reduce a potential burglary while you are away. In addition, the department also offers a Home Security Survey which provides recommendations to reduce the potential for burglaries.

Both of these programs are available to Carbondale residents at no charge.

Burglary Prevention Tips While Away

• Consider removing electronic equipment (computers, digital cameras, video game systems, etc.) from your residence
• Have someone you trust check your residence
• Make arrangements to have your lawn cut or driveway and sidewalk cleared of snow
• Make sure all doors and windows are locked and are functioning properly
• Put a hold on your mail and newspapers or have someone collect them for you while you are away
• Use timers for your lights, television or radio to give the impression that someone is home

Burglary Prevention Tips While at Home

• Be alert to persons going from house-to-house, looking in windows or knocking on doors
• Beware of burglars posing as solicitors
• Don’t advertise recently purchased items or gifts received, put the boxes in your recycling bin or trash container
• If someone comes to your door needing assistance, offer to call the police while they wait outside
• Keep all entrances to your residence well lit and maintain landscaping to prevent hiding places
• Keep doors and windows locked, even if you are at home, will only be gone a short time or are “just going next door”
• Keep a list of your valuables using the property inventory form (PDF)
• Make sure all locks are functioning properly
• Never allow someone you don’t know into your residence
• Place valuables out of sight