Neighborhood Watch Newsletter 

Off. Michelle Tennyson #2173 Crime Prevention Section 455 N. Main 4th Floor Wichita, KS 67202 Phone: (316) 268-4101 Email: mtennyson@wichita.gov Last Updated:  September, 2007

HOW SECURE IS YOUR HOME?

Most of us think we are taking measures to protect our property and ourselves, but are we really doing all we can to prevent from becoming the “window of opportunity” for a thief? Maybe it’s time to take a good look in and around your homes to see if there might be something more you can do.

Make a list and ask yourself these questions:

1. Are there locks inside my house that can be opened from the outside, at least 40 inches from the glass?

2. Do all entry doors have good dead bolt locks?

3. Have the locks all been re-keyed since moving in?

4. Is the window air conditioner secured from the inside?

5. Are shrubs cut below window level to prevent concealment?

6. Is your address number clearly visible from the street?

7. Are valuable items such as bicycles, mowers, power tools and ladders kept in a locked area or inside?

8. Do you have serial numbers of electronics, bicycles and tools marked with an engraver?

9. Do you stop deliveries of mail and papers when going on vacation and have a family member or trusted friend check on your home when you are gone?

10. Is the yard and driveway taken care of while you are away for extended periods?

11.Do you set inside and outside lights on timers?

12.Do you keep a list of valuable property, credit card and serial numbers in a secure place?

With the New Year upon us, it is the perfect time to schedule a Crime Prevention Officer to conduct a Home Security Survey. They will provide tips on how to make changes in order to improve the security of you and your home.