Police crime prevention specialists offer free help to stave off thieves

Most people don’t think about improving their home security until after there’s a burglary, and I’m like most people.

Recently, two young men entered an unlocked screen door at a neighbor’s home about 7:30 p.m. while the husband slept in the living room and the wife in the bedroom. The burglars carted off a television and computer and suddenly, my neighbors and I thought more seriously about home security.

That’s when I learned that police departments in Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas all have crime prevention specialists who will come to your home and make suggestions to improve your security. For free.

Three people in my small gated community in northwest Las Vegas took advice from Metropolitan Police Crime Prevention Specialist Kathy Perkins on Thursday. Typically, she spends an hour for each home visit. She also does commercial security checks. The Metropolitan Police force has eight specialists, one in each area command center.

She came prepared to discuss all kinds of options. “Home security doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated,” she said.

Her top four suggestions involved locks, lighting, using what you have and closing your garage door:

■ If your locks are more than 7 years old, check what is currently available that may offer better protection. A good, high-quality lock installed properly may still be fine, but a low-end lock most likely should be replaced. Replace chain locks with deadbolts. She said the homeowner with a screwdriver can do it, or a locksmith. But she warned that not every locksmith in the phone book is legit. Check to see if a locksmith is licensed.

■ Improving the lighting outside your home can act as a deterrent.

■ Use the safety features already in place, such as the security system. People in guard-gated communities with roving security tend to believe they are safe. Some don’t even lock their doors, Perkins said.

■ Close the garage door. “An open garage is like an open front door, there is no difference. And it creates a vulnerability for the whole neighborhood,” Perkins said.

As she was explaining this, a UPS truck delivered a large box to another neighbor whose garage door was left open, and left the box in the garage where anyone could see it — and take it.

Perkins showed various items that could make a home safer, including camera systems and security doors. She also showed us a picture of an expandable rod called Door Jamb Armor for about $20, which can be jammed against the door and the floor and prevent unwanted entry. Home improvement stores are loaded with things like this.

Security laminate systems for windows are increasing in popularity. Rolling shutters provide protection. Even fake dog sound systems provide the illusion that one’s head might be torn off if a burglar chooses this house.

But she also showed us things that didn’t cost a dime. Garage windows are easily pushed in and someone can grab the rope that allows someone to manually open the garage door. Tie the rope up and fasten it with a rubber band so burglars can’t reach it.

Clean your peephole so you actually can see out.

Keep those car fobs with panic buttons by your bed and hit it if you think someone is breaking in, it might scare someone off.

Perkins has been a crime prevention specialist for 20 years and with the Metropolitan Police for 29, so she knows well the tricks of the burglary trade and also offered suggestions for behavior.

If someone is outside knocking, even if you don’t open the door, don’t stay silent. Let them know “we” are here, implying that “we” includes SEAL Team Six types.

Each police department offers a crime specialist program offering a wealth of information. All you have to do is call and ask.

Better to do it before a burglary than after.

Jane Ann Morrison’s column appears Monday, Thursday and Saturday. Email her at Jane@reviewjournal.com or call her at (702) 383-0275. She also blogs at lvrj.com/blogs/Morrison.