From Charlotte Police:
The Charlotte -Mecklenburg Police Department would like to provide you with some home security tips.
Make sure your home is well lit. Turn on outside lights, spotlights, motions lights, etc. Leave several lights on timers while you are away to give your home that lived in look.
Keep all shrubbery trimmed. Do not allow shrubbery to conceal windows or doors.
Remove anything a burglar could climb up on to gain entry or use to knock out a window or door; items such as ladders, tools, tables, and chairs.
All exterior doors should be solid, rather than hollow core.
Don't leave garage roll down doors open, even while you are home or while you are doing yard work.
Use a deadbolt lock to secure your doors. A good deadbolt should have a 1" throw, if you have glass within 40" of the lock a burglar could reach in and unlock the door. A double cylinders lock (this type needs a key on both sides to unlock) should be used if glass is near the lock.
If you are going away contact a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up your mail, newspaper and other delivered items.
Try not to leave gifts in open view. This is an invitation to burglars.
Don't advertise new gifts or purchases. Break up cartons before leaving them at the curb or dispose of them another way the morning of trash pick up.
Don't forget to engrave new gifts or purchases with your Drivers license number.
Don't open your door to strangers. Be wary of solicitors and salespersons. If a stranger asks to use your telephone, tell them to stay outside, lock the door behind you and make the call for them. Never let a stranger inside your home.
Don't give any information about yourself or your neighbor to a stranger.
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department wishes your family a happy & safe holiday season.
Another note...from CMPD Sgt. J. McGraw...
During the past week we have noticed two trends that we want to keep you informed about.
The main targets for both of these trends are jewelry, credit cards and checkbooks.
Tips to prevent burglaries:
PREVENT CAR THEFTS
Did you know a vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the United States? Did you know 12 vehicles are stolen every day in Mecklenburg County? (Per cmp.org)
As the weather starts getting cooler and the mornings even colder, We would like to remind everyone about Car Thefts. Please do not start your car in the mornings and leave it to warm while you return inside to your residence or leave your vehicle running while inside of a business.
We are not seeing an increase in our Division. This is a note of prevention for all of our residents.
We also must remind you that if you do leave your vehicle running and unattended in a public vehicular area, you can receive a citation for violating that criminal offense. Please let us all be safe and do our part by not being a victim by NOT leaving our vehicle unattended while running or with the keys in them at all.