14^th District Resources

The 14^th District Police Crime Prevention Officer can be reached at (215) 685-2148. The Crime Prevention Officer can participate in a block meeting and give you and your neighbors tips for making your properties less attractive to burglars.

Preventing Burglaries in Your Home

• Install window security including vent locks, pin locks and jimmy proof latches.
• Improve or add outdoor lighting. This can include motion sensor lighting to save energy costs.
• Remove or cut back large bushes and shrubs adjacent to your home.
• Use home alarms all the time, including at night.
• Realize burglars "case" a house or block, often many times, prior to breaking in. Note suspicious people or cars.
• Install a sign about fire rescue for your dog - burglars avoid houses with dogs.
• Keep your cell phone by your bed, turned on, in case your phone lines are cut.
• Improve locks and window security on basement doors and windows.
• Do not leave ladders near the house.
• Note any upstairs windows that can be accessed via climbing. Keep them locked.
• Lock storm doors at night.
• Keep accessible storm windows closed, even in the summer, when the house is unoccupied or at night.
• Use light timers when you are out of town.
• Avoid marking "your parking spot" with a cone or chair, as it advertises when you are not home.
• If you are away for some time, have a neighbor pick up your mail and newspapers.
• Basement windows are often the easiest point of entry; regular glass should be replaced with glass blocks (they can be installed with louvers for summer ventilation) or should have bars over them.
• Do not keep house keys in the inside lock of a door with a window; burglars will often break the window and look/feel for a house key in the lock.
• Keep house keys separated from other important keys, such as car keys.

Robbery Prevention Tips

• Create a buddy system on your block. Call a neighbor to meet you if you are coming home late.
• Carry "Mugger money" -- an extra roll of cash. This is a somewhat controversial suggestion, as some experts say it merely encourages muggers.
• If you see someone suspicious, listen to your "instincts" and go the other way.
• Watch for suspicious people sitting for long periods in a car. Muggers can and do work from cars.
• Use your car alarm "Panic Button" feature to activate your car alarm if someone is approaching you.

Auto Theft/Theft from Auto Prevention

• Always lock your car, even when it is in your driveway.
• Do not leave ANYTHING visible in your car. This includes spare change as well as valuables such as portable GPS systems, personal computers, Ipods, etc.
• Purchase and use "The Club" to lock your steering wheel.
• Do not leave a car running or containing any item of value unattended, if even for a few minutes.

Home Alarm Systems

• If you have a home alarm, use it.
• Cellular Backup - uses cell phone technology in case land line phone lines are cut.
• Panic Button option for home alarms can be used to activate an alarm any time.
• Emergency Code - a code you can use on your alarm in case you are in danger. Sends a special signal to your alarm company and police.
• Glass break sensor for rooms that may be more likely to be used during a break in.
• There are low cost "Smart Home" alternatives to expensive alarm systems. Also useful for apartment dwellers (you can take it with you if you move).
• Consider having phone lines moved from ground level to roof of house.
• Make sure alarm company has your cell phone number(s) and a neighbor's number.
• Post alarm company stickers and signs.