By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Police recently shared home safety tips at a meeting with Neighborhood Areas 7, 8, and 9, and provided a list of actionable ways residents can help prevent porch pirates and break-ins.
The session offered residents practical advice based on principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, which emphasize using design and environmental strategies to reduce criminal behavior.
According to Citrus Heights Police Detective Dave Jones, home burglaries in the United States occur roughly every 25 seconds, yet only about 13 percent are ever solved, due to a lack of available evidence.
Most burglaries happen in broad daylight when suspects believe homeowners are away, Jones said. Many break-ins result from unsecured side gates, open or unlocked doors and windows, and even from the use of hidden spare keys or tailgating into apartment complexes and gated communities.
To reduce the risk of becoming a target, Jones recommended the following practical security upgrades:
- Install window locks and consider using security film on glass panels near entry points.
- Use Smart Locks with access control for improved convenience and monitoring.
- Set up a monitored alarm system with sensors on doors, windows, and glass.
- Add cameras both inside and outside, and utilize doorbell cameras with two-way audio.
- Install motion-activated lighting around all main entry areas.
- Keep shrubs and trees trimmed near doors and windows to avoid hiding spots.
- Lock all side gates and reinforce doors with deadbolts and strong strike plates.
- Display visible signs indicating the presence of cameras or alarm systems.
Jones also encouraged the use of modern smart-home technologies like, timers for lights and electronics to simulate occupancy while away, remote access for locking/unlocking doors and monitoring cameras, security notifications through phone apps, and randomized lighting routines to deter intruders during vacations.
Detective Jones emphasized the value of neighborly cooperation. Before heading out of town, residents were advised to inform neighbors when you go on vacation and ask them to pick up your mail, or ask the post office to hold your mail. Residents can also leave vehicle parked in the driveway to make the home appear occupied, and should avoid posting vacation photos on social media notifying people that the home is empty.
Residents who are concerned can also request extra patrols from the Citrus Heights Police Department by calling (916) 727-5500.
