[SanFranDianne]

My husband was in law enforcement (state and federal) for more than 33 years. We opted for a solid wood front door, had a peep hole installed, and also had a dead bolt installed that requires a key on the inside (because anyone can break the glass panel on the side, reach in, and unlock a regular lock). We keep the key in a handy place (but not in the lock) so we get out quickly if needed.

[scoutii]

Harbor freight sells a motion detector that is made to put in the drive way and let you know when someone drives up. I think a better use is in the garage. if placed inside the door it sends an alarm (like a irritating door bell to the indoor sensor) that goes off if anyone walks in or opens the door. While I try to never leave it open I am human. There is always a coupon for it. At black Friday they were $10 bucks but last week the best coupon was $14

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by Doctommft

I placed a bar in the inside groove of my sliding glass door preventing the door from sliding. I cut the wooden bar (available at Home Depot - it is a closet hanger bar 5" long 1 inch thick) short so that the door can be slid enough allowing my dog to go in and out but a skinny human scum can't.
Tom

You have a false sense of security Tom. I guarantee that measure can be quietly defeated.

I won't say how on a public forum.

I'm sure that if you have the local Sheriff's Office do a security survey at your house they will explain the shortcomings of your method.

Carl

[NotGolfer]

Originally Posted by gomoho

I'm counting on my two big dogs and if they fail the loaded gun in the nightstand. All kidding aside, we sleep as a pack in the master bedroom. I have the window open with no concern because my 85 pound Aussie is under that window and I can't imagine anyone trying to come in once they came face to face with him. They are both loud and obnoxious if anything doesn't seem right to them and I will live with that 'cause someday it might come in handy. I am very vigilant as to who comes and goes on our street and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to report something that didn't look right. In the meantime I refuse to live in fear and will continue to enjoy life in The Villages.

Exactly!!!!!!

[Carl in Tampa]

Originally Posted by gomoho

I'm counting on my two big dogs and if they fail the loaded gun in the nightstand. All kidding aside, we sleep as a pack in the master bedroom. I have the window open with no concern because my 85 pound Aussie is under that window and I can't imagine anyone trying to come in once they came face to face with him. They are both loud and obnoxious if anything doesn't seem right to them and I will live with that 'cause someday it might come in handy. I am very vigilant as to who comes and goes on our street and wouldn't hesitate for a minute to report something that didn't look right. In the meantime I refuse to live in fear and will continue to enjoy life in The Villages.

Do you ever take your dogs for a walk in the daytime? (Don't tell me.)

Remember that most burglaries are daytime jobs and are quick smash and grab events.

[BobnBev]

Originally Posted by 2BNTV

The best security, is always having a LEO presence in one's neighborhood.

Other thoughts are:
1. Always be vigilant, in locking one's house.
2. Always be aware, if someone is suspicious, or you don't recognize, is roaming in your area.
3. Always have the phone numers of Community Watch and or police available, if you feel a break is imminate.

Joe,
I agree but calling Community Watch is just wasting precious time.
Especially if a break in is imminent, call 911.

[swimdawg]

Originally Posted by BobnBev

Joe,
I agree but calling Community Watch is just wasting precious time.
Especially if a break in is imminent, call 911.

The heck with security systems, motion lights, etc. I want to put YOUR EYE AVATAR outside my front and back doors. That would scare any burglar away!

[Rickg]

If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriffs dept. let them decide. Too many times we are not sure so we don't call. A close friend just had his house burglarized in the middle of the afternoon (not in the villages). He returned home and came face to face with the guy. No one was hurt and the guy escaped. In hindsight he had seen the pickup truck the last couple of days and thought it was out of place but didn't do anything. Remember almost all of us have a camera in our pocket, if nothing else snap a picture of the person or vehicle that looks out of place

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Rickg

If you see anything that looks suspicious or out of place, call the Sheriffs dept. let them decide. Too many times we are not sure so we don't call. A close friend just had his house burglarized in the middle of the afternoon (not in the villages). He returned home and came face to face with the guy. No one was hurt and the guy escaped. In hindsight he had seen the pickup truck the last couple of days and thought it was out of place but didn't do anything. Remember almost all of us have a camera in our pocket, if nothing else snap a picture of the person or vehicle that looks out of place

I so agree.


Here is this morning's news





Bridgeport at Miona Shores home burglarized while couple sleeps

January 3, 2014 By Meta Minton 20 Comments
A Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores home was burglarized early Friday morning as a husband and wife were sleeping in their bedroom.
The wife attempted to wake the husband at 3:37 a.m. thinking she heard a noise, but they went back to sleep. The woman then got up at 4:15 a.m.
She immediately noticed that their dogs, usually secured behind a doggie gate, were roaming about the house, located in the 1100 block of Miona Shores Drive, according to Lt. Bobby Caruthers of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
She and her husband soon discovered that a screen on the lanai had been cut. Entry was gained through a sliding glass door.
Items taken in the break-in included a 50-inch flat screen television, a digital camera and a Macintosh computer, Caruthers said.
This makes eight burglaries which have taken place in the past 60 days in The Villages.
Of the seven burglaries, four included forced entry by kicking in the front door, two gained entry through forcing open a sliding glass door and the final burglary was to an automobile, according to the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.
The burglaries have occurred on the following dates:
• Nov. 3 in the Village of Pinellas at Cedar Grove.
• Nov. 20 in the Village of Sanibel.
• Nov. 21 in the Village of Fernandina.
• Dec. 18 in the Village of Glenbrook.
• Dec. 19, again in the Village of Sanibel.
• Dec. 24 in the Village of Polo Ridge.
• Dec. 26, again in the Village of Fernandina.
Villages Homeowners Association Director-at-Large Irv Markely, a resident of the Village of Bridgeport at Miona Shores, has been trying to keep his neighbors aware of such incidents and sent out an email blast to his neighborhood encouraging vigilance.
Lt. Nehemiah Wolfe urges Villagers to take advantage of the sheriff’s free home inspection program. Through it, a member of the sheriff’s office will visit a home and provide tips on securing the home. You can schedule an appointment by calling 689-4600.
He added that neighbors looking out for neighbors is also effective.

[gomoho]

Originally Posted by Carl in Tampa

Do you ever take your dogs for a walk in the daytime? (Don't tell me.)

Remember that most burglaries are daytime jobs and are quick smash and grab events.

Excellent point - thank you for pointing this out.

[Cedwards38]

A home security system.

[gustavo]

Originally Posted by SanFranDianne

My husband was in law enforcement (state and federal) for more than 33 years. We opted for a solid wood front door, had a peep hole installed, and also had a dead bolt installed that requires a key on the inside (because anyone can break the glass panel on the side, reach in, and unlock a regular lock). We keep the key in a handy place (but not in the lock) so we get out quickly if needed.

Pretty sure you're violating some sort of fire safety code by having to fumble around in the dark for a key and then inserting it in the lock to open an egress from a raging inferno.

[CFrance]

Originally Posted by gustavo

Pretty sure you're violating some sort of fire safety code by having to fumble around in the dark for a key and then inserting it in the lock to open an egress from a raging inferno.

We've had that kind of deadbolt in NJ, PA, and MI, and no fire code violation. It's a commonly recommended kind.

We are having one installed here soon.

[billethkid]

google and view some of the home entry videos that demonstrate how doors are kicked in.

I suspect there is not a door in TV that cannot be easily kicked in. The locks are not the deterrant here.

In addition know that glass sliders are the easiest way in because they can be lifted out of their tracks even when they are locked.

INterior motion activated lights and activated alarm systems with video. Many of the new technology security systems are easily self installed, cellular based technology that can be centrally monitored for a reasonable fee.

We spend a lot more money on things we could all easily do without to offset any additional cost.

Ya gotta do more than better locks.

[Philip Winkler]

I highly recommend a safety check by one of the deputy sheriffs; they came to our home twice and made numerous suggestions which we implemented.

When we travel I always disconnect the garage door openers.