Home Security
Physical security constitutes 90% of burglary prevention. If your home is locked and unauthorized entry is made difficult, time consuming, and conspicuous, chances of a successful burglary are minimized.
If you are interested in a program, please contact Captain William Hamby at 704-924-4035 or email whamby@co.iredell.nc.us
If you are interested in a program, please contact Captain William Hamby at 704-924-4035 or email whamby@co.iredell.nc.us
Bicycle Theft
In order to deter a potential thief, a bicycle should have its owner's North Carolina Drivers License or other identification number engraved on its frame. This number, along with the bicycle's serial number and description, should be recorded and kept on hand for police in case of a theft. A few proactive steps can also be taken to increase the security of your bicycle:
- Never leave your bicycle unattended.
- Always store your bicycle in a safe place.
- If you cannot store your bike inside, secure it from theft with a good chain and lock.
- Avoid leaving even a locked bicycle in a public area overnight.
- Do not leave detachable items unsecured on your bicycle. If you have a pouch for carrying money and small items attached to your seat, empty it or take it with you.
If you are interested in a program, please contact Captain William Hamby at 704-924-4035 or email whamby@co.iredell.nc.us
Exterior Safety
- The best tools to stop crime are your eyes! Please call 911 or 704-878-3100 immediately if you see anything suspicious in your neighborhood.
- Alarm systems should be supplied by a licensed alarm company with a central monitoring system.
- Many burglars will spend no more than 60 seconds attempting to break into a home. Make sure every external door has sturdy, well-installed deadbolt locks.
- Sliding glass doors offer easy access if not properly secured. You can secure them by installing commercially available locks or by putting a broomstick or wooden dowel in the inside track to prevent the door from sliding.
- All outside doors to your home should be metal or solid wood. Solid core doors with a rugged frame are best. Doors with windows should be reinforced with wire mesh or decorative grill-work.
- Prune back shrubbery and trees as to not obscure windows and doors.
- Install outdoor floodlights or motion-sensor lights to eliminate any areas where someone might hide on or around your property.
- Don't leave anything, such as ladders or tools, lying around that can be used to break into your home.
- If you are a female and you live alone, don't advertise it by putting "Miss Jane Doe" on your doorbell or mailbox. Just put the initial of your first name and your last name, "J. Doe".
- Never leave your keys in your car for any reason.
- Never leave your car doors unlocked.
- Keep garage doors closed and locked. Store all valuable items in the closed garage.
Interior Safety
- Never hide house keys under the door mat or a rock that is near your door. Most burglars know this trick. Instead give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.
- Install a peephole in all entry doors so you can see who is outside without opening the door.
- Don't use door chains; they break easily and don't keep intruders out.
- Draw shades closed at night and ensure basement windows are secured.
- When answering the door, never let a stranger in for any reason.
- Always ask service people for identification before letting them in your house. You may want to contact the company they represent to verify their identity.
- Beware of a stranger who approaches you with a "great" business opportunity. If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is.
- When you move into a new house or apartment, have a competent locksmith re-key or replace the locks.
- Be creative when hiding your valuables; burglars often go straight to the bedroom to look under mattresses, in bedside stands, and in closets for money and jewelry.
- Often, an intruder will be deterred from entering your home if you make it a noisy, difficult, time-consuming, and highly visible task.
Travel Safety
- When you go out of town, give your house that "lived-in look" by putting a few of your lights on timers. Also, stop your mail and newspaper delivery or have a trusted neighbor pick it up for you.
- While driving, lock your doors and roll up your windows. Park in a well-lit area and keep all valuables out of sight and in the trunk.
- While walking, avoid isolated areas. Walk confidently and with another person if possible. Don't carry a lot of cash and avoid wearing anything that would attract unwanted attention like expensive furs or jewelry.
- Never, ever pick up hitchhikers.
- Mark all your valuables with your license number.
- If possible, choose a parking lot with an attendant.
- Write down and report to the police license numbers on vehicles used by suspicious persons in your neighborhood.
- Remove any identification from your personal key ring.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to watch your home while you are away.
- Be aware of your surroundings - know who's out there and what's going on.
- Trust your instincts. If a situation or place makes your feel uncomfortable or uneasy, leave.
- When away, try to make your home look as if it is occupied. Leave lights and a radio on.
- Have a friend or neighbor get your mail and newspaper, or cut the grass if needed.
- Be a nosy neighbor by reporting any suspicious activity.
Vehicle Theft
Auto Theft is big business and the "pros" can enter and steal a car within seconds. By following a few common rules when using your automobile, you can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a victim of theft.
Auto Theft is big business and the "pros" can enter and steal a car within seconds. By following a few common rules when using your automobile, you can greatly reduce your chance of becoming a victim of theft.
- Always lock your vehicle.
- Park in well-lit, populated areas that are easily observed by passers-by.
- Never leave the keys inside your car or the engine running unattended.
- Engrave audio and phone equipment with your North Carolina Drivers License or identification number.
- Always lock valuables in the trunk; never leave them in plain view.
- In the event of an auto theft, have a thorough description of your vehicle (including serial and license plate numbers) ready for the deputies. Report the stolen vehicle as soon as possible!