VIDEO: Basic prevention measures could save snowbirds from having their homes burglarized
- By RYAN MILLS
Sliding glass doors
Sliding glass doors are the perfect entry spot for burglars because they’re usually located behind the home, out of sight from the road, and because they’re relatively easy to break into, experts say.
The locks that come with the doors are not strong enough to resist much banging or prying.
“If you want to get in that, all you need to do is pull it hard and it will break,” Collins said.
To make matters worse, sliding glass doors typically consist of multiple panels, which burglars can simply lift off their tracks. Huff suggests that people install deadbolt-style locks, which are specifically designed for sliding glass doors, and can be purchased at most hardware stores. Some may require professional installation.
Home Depot sells the “Door Guardian,” deadbolt-style lock for $26.
A less-expensive, but still effective alternative are pin locks, which can be purchased at most hardware stores for about $2. They pin two sliding glass door panels together, making them difficult to lift off their tracks.
“I’ve had people come in and say ‘They took the door off the track. They literally lifted it up, set it aside and walked in,’” Collins said. “If you’ve got two doors pinned together, you’ve got to have a very strong person.”
larm systems
They’re not cheap, but they’re effective, which is why crime prevention experts recommend alarm systems.
Huff said he only recommends monitored alarm systems with contact sensors on all windows and doors, and at least two motion sensors inside the home. Alarms that simply set off bells or whistles aren’t as effective.
“What you’re doing is relying on somebody else to think, ‘Gee, what is that? Maybe I should call the Sheriff’s Office,’” Huff said.
For an average Southwest Florida home, hardware and installation could run $500 to $600, with monitoring fees that range from about $25 to $35 a month. Huff suggests people shop around.
Other home security tips
■ Don’t leave anything of value where it can be seen by someone looking through the windows.
■ When away, leave curtains and blinds in the same manner you would when you are home. “I’d like to see the house so it looks like it’s lived in,” Huff said.
■ Stop your mail and newspaper delivery if you’ll be gone for awhile. Ask neighbors to keep an eye on your home and to remove any free newspapers from the driveway or sale fliers hung on the door. “That’s a dead giveaway that I’m probably not home,” Huff said.
■ Home watch companies provide a valuable service, but do your homework. All the local law enforcement agencies will also check on your home for free, on a time-available basis.
The Collier County and Lee County sheriff’s offices and Naples and Marco Island police departments also offer free home security surveys for residents. For more information contact crime prevention at 239-252-0700 (Collier), 239-477-1400 (Lee) 239-213-4890 (Naples) or 239-389-5050 (Marco).
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