Message From the Department
Crime continues to be a major concern of both the residents and the Mansfield Township Police Department. When citizens take positive steps by learning how to secure their property and report suspicious activities, they are helping themselves as well as their neighbors. About 64 percent of all burglaries required forcing a door or window to gain entry. Most houses and apartments are protected by simple and relatively ineffective door and window locks. Modern hardware is available for these locks which will stop the amateur and slow up the experienced burglar.
Target hardening, or protecting vulnerable areas of your home and property by means of physical security devices, is an excellent starting point for reducing the likelihood that your house or apartment will be burglarized.
Remember the three D ’s of burglary prevention:
- Deter— Sound security practices and good locks are a deterrent since they eliminate the opportunity for an easy burglary.
- Detect — The possibility of detection is increased if you can force a burglar to work where he can be observed.
- Delay — Delaying a burglar for four minutes is generally considered sufficient to prevent entry into a residential dwelling.
Crime Prevention Begins at Home
- Front Entrance
— All front entrance doors should be metal clad or of solid core wood construction. A deadbolt lock is essential.
- Windows
— Keep all your windows closed and locked when you are away. Remove anything that a burglar could use to access upper floor windows.
- Yard Lights
— Each exterior entrance, should be well lighted. Low cost controls for exterior lights will turn them on and off at specified times, or motion-sensor lighting can be installed.
- Interior Lights — When you are away, to create the appearance that someone is at home, use a timer to turn lights on and off at normal times.
- Landscaping — When placing trees, bushes, and flowers, remember to keep doorways, windows, and porches clear. Remember that the bushes that provide you with privacy also give a burglar a place to hide.
- Be Neighborly — Share with your neighbors your concern about burglary. Ask them to report any suspicious persons or activities around your home to your law enforcement agency. Good neighbors make safe neighborhoods.
If you would like professional advice and assistance in conducting a thorough home security inspection, please call us at 609-298-4411 and a member of the Mansfield Township Police will arrange to conduct an inspection of your residence or business. Together we can reduce crime and make Mansfield Township a safer place to live and work.
And Remember, if you go on Vacation, the Mansfield Township Police Department has a property check program which will allow us to help to keep your property secure. Simply fill out a Property Check Request Form, available at the Police Station, or, from any officer. During their patrol, officers will periodically drive by your residence to check on its security. |
