Home Protection Tips
The Police Department would like to remind the public to take all precautions to remove the opportunity for any crime to occur.
The Police Department urges all residents to be alert, be the “eyes” for your neighborhood and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police by calling 911 or 732-531-3688.
- Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. An open window or door is an open invitation for burglars. Thieves are also quick to spot weak locks that may be easily forced open. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
- Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. This will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
- Always lock the door to an attached garage. Don't rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
- Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights, radios and TV's. Make your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home, to help deter criminals.
- Keep the perimeter of your home well lit. Installing low voltage outdoor lighting is a cost-effective way to discourage intruders as well as highlight a house.
- Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate. You can also ask a neighbor to park in your driveway or parking place to make it appear that you are present.
- Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.
- Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home. A message that you will return at a certain time leaves your home vulnerable in the interim.
- Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. Large and ornate hedges may be beautiful but they also provide a hiding place for burglars who need only a minute to break in through a window or door.
- Take pictures of your valuables so they can be identified.
- If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:
Do not enter the dwelling.
Use a neighbor's phone or your cell phone to call the Police.
Do not touch anything, or clean up until the Interlaken Police Department checks for evidence.
The Police Department urges all residents to be alert, be the “eyes” for your neighborhood and to report any suspicious activity immediately to the police by calling 911 or 732-531-3688.