Tips to Prevent Home Burglaries

With a recent string of attempted burglaries in New Canaan and the summer vacation season upon us, now is a good time to take a look at these five simple tips to help defend your home against burglars:

1) Inform your neighbors.

"This is probably the best thing to do," says Sgt. Carol Ogrinc, who believes letting your neighbors know when you're planning vacations can be a powerful deterrent to burglaries.

In addition to talking to your neighbors prior to vacationing, it's also important to let neighbors know if you're expecting any workers at the house. If so, try to find out what kind of cars the workers use and when they will be in the driveway.

If possible, leave a key with your neighbor. If there is an emergency, police will have an easier time gaining access to your home.

2) Know who your workers are.

"One of the first things we ask people after burglaries is 'who have you had working at the house and who knew you were going away?'," says Ogrinc.

Police say homeowners are often unfamiliar with companies they hire to work at their house. Most of the time, workers there to paint or landscaper. However, sometimes companies contract their work to other people.

Make sure you have a firm understanding of the names and vehicles of all your workers. Also, find out when you can expect them at your home.

3) Appearance is important.

"Don't make it so obvious nobody is home," says Ogrinc.

Burglars are often looking for houses that are completely dark and have no cars in the driveway. Ogrinc recommends leaving your lights on timers, which are inexpensive and can be found in hardware stores.

If you have the ability to leave a car in the driveway while you're gone, that's also a good deterrent for burglars who are casing homes that appear vacant.

4) Security systems are crucial.

"If you have an alarm, set it," says Ogrinc.

Police believe the majority of New Canaan residents have alarm systems, however they are only useful when set regularly. Alarms are usually the deciding factor between a burglary and an attempted burglary.

Security systems were the most powerful deterrent in last week's attempted burglaries, according to police.

"People have gotten better about utilizing [alarm systems]," says Ogrinc. "Especially when they go away."

5) Put your home on the Closed House List.

Homeowners can contact the New Canaan Police Department at 594-3500 to put themselves on the Closed House List. Dispatchers collect the following information:

• When the homeowner is leaving and when they are returning;
• Contact information for the homeowner in case of emergency;
• If there is a key holder, such as a neighbor or relative;
• What workers are expected at the house;
• Should police expect any cars in the driveway;

• Is there an alarm system at the home.

Police are given the list of vacant houses and check them regularly during their normal patrols. Ogrinc says the list only has about 12 houses on it at any given point, which is far below the number of actual vacant homes in the summer.