The truth is bold and in front of us. It's been repeated throughout the history of our society. When the economy is down, crime goes up. Theft and burglary are two HUGE crimes that raise during times of trouble.
Recently, a friend's community fitness center had it's TV's stolen and the mail box broken into. We had 3 car break-ins and someone digging through the trash. It was a gated community...but no one can be in charge or responsible for your safety except yourself.
With this in mind, please do not take for granted the safety of yourself or your valuables at any time. Just having a gate at your apartments doesn't guarantee that the bad people are going to be kept out. What if the people committing the break-ins are residents within the apartment or a pizza guy who knew the gate code.
No matter how it happens, break-ins happen. They can be in your car, apartment, or even at your office. The only thing that you can truly do is be prepared. Here are a few tips on being prepared:
Valuables
Whatever you do, DON'T LEAVE VALUABLES IN YOUR CAR. Whether its a purse, laptop, backpack, cell phone, or whatever...DON'T LEAVE IT IN THE CAR. If you leave these items in the car they are easy bait on having someone break in to your vehicle.
Different Times
Come home and leave your apartment at different times. In case some premeditated burglar is doing research on you, don't give them any info on your routine. Take different routes on your way home. Come home at lunch just to drop in. Whatever it is, just make sure you vary your routine and keep any possible burglar on their toes.
Think Defensively
It never hurts to think defensively. Don't talk to suspicious strangers in the parking lot at night and carry pepper spray on your key chain (just in case). Heck, you could even keep a baseball bat by the door too...also just in case. However you do it, just be prepared. An attacker would be less likely to attack if they feel like they are going to get hurt.
Paper
Are you still getting a newspaper? Don't leave it out. Be sure to bring it in as soon as you get it. Thieves see stacks of papers or mail on a doorstep and it is an immediate sign that you aren't home. That makes you an easy target.
Locks
When you are home, lock both locks. They are there for a reason, so use the deadbolt. Use all the precautions!
Windows
A big area of entry is through the windows, so be sure your windows are locked and closed when you aren't in the room. Also, keep your BLINDS DRAWN and drapes closed at night or when you aren't around. If they are left wide open, that gives a burglar an easy way to take inventory on your stuff. Keep things closed to keep them out.
Lights
Place an LED bulb in a lamp in one of your main rooms and leave that lamp on when you leave. It may not help your energy bill, but it may help look like someone might be home and make a potential thief think twice.
Again, I reiterate that you and you alone are responsible for your safety and no one else can be held accountable...unless you are under 18 and your parents can be held responsible, but I digress...
Just stay safe and keep your chins up...the economy will pick up and the crime rate will go back down. None the less, it's always good to practice safe tactics!
