It's up to you, to protect your family and home

I have shared these on Facebook, but wanted to consolidate all the ideas and photos that I have, for you to protect your home from burglars.

Security

• Test - Deadbolt length
• Replace - Length of screws
• Buy - Door Jammer contraption
• Post - No Soliciting Signs
• Secure - Your windows
• Lock - Side gates and cars at all times
• Keep - Your garage door closed, including the summer when it is tempting to leave open as you work around the yard.  You do not want people looking in there.

Test

• To understand what your deadbolt is supposed to do, do this little exercise! 
• Open your front door and turn your deadbolt all the way to the right locking position.
• Now take your fingers and press against it, notice how it stays in the rigid outward position.  That is what it should do when your door is closed and it is in the full locked position!
• Now, measure the length of that lock, likely to be 1 inch long. 
• Now, measure the length of the hole it goes into, are you certain that your lock is able to fully penetrate the full length of the hole? 
• If not, your deadbolt is giving you a false sense of security and you MUST correct what the builder did not properly complete!

Replace

• As shown below, remove the metal plate and screws. 
• Find a tool that you like and take time to chisel away; paint build up, glue, or any other debris that would reduce the effectiveness of the locking system.
•  Install full 3" screws and drill into the stud.  

Buy

At the store, 25/7 Protection, near the Tukwila Home Depot, they sell Big Jammers for $24.  It is an excellent tool to wedge against your front door to keep it from being kicked in. 

 

 
Post

• Effectiveness of posted signage
• Legal stance

A common trend for break-ins, begins with the tested door knock; usually a person pretending to sell something; ie - Peddling. Really, they may in fact be scoping your home out.

Check our city website to know what a door to door sales person is, ie: peddler. http://www.maplevalleywa.gov/index.aspx?page=398
Specifically, peddlers are not persons such as girl scouts, political, or religious messengers. Be courteous to these nice citizens, they are not who we are trying to run out of our neighborhood. Understand that there are certain groups/persons who do have the right to knock on your door, no matter what sign you display.

In the past year, not one Peddler application has been filed, that means all door to door peddlers are in violation of the law, regardless of their knocking hour or if you have a sign posted including the typical ones we see; College Painters, Alarm Systems, Vacuum Sales, Art Work - They DO NOT have permission to sell door to door.
Should a person obtain a proper Peddler’s license, they may approach your door during specified hours and you can request to see their license. Licenses are only good for the calendar year applied for.

If you display a sign of 15 square inches that says one of these below messages, it makes it ILLEGAL for even a Licensed Peddler to approach your door, nor are they allowed to leave literature.

“No Trespassing,” or “No Peddlers,” or “No Soliciting,” or “No Solicitors”

The advantage of No Solicitor is that it resonates well with the Peddlers. Some people don’t use the word Peddler and are confused by it. I purchased this vinyl sign and placed it on a piece of slate at my door. I can do a group order, so let me know if you want one too. $5

A No Trespassing sign does not give you further coverage than a No Solicitor sign.

If your HOA uses 1 group sign at the main entrance, such as in Valley Meadows, that has no legal authority. No Solicitor signs must be on each and every home. Again, that only really applies to the Licensed Peddler though. An unlicensed peddler is always illegal and a girl scout is always legal.

 
Secure
Cut PVC pipe or Wooden Dowels to be placed in your window track.  We cut ours very tight and put a pin in it for the purposes of being able to pull the dowel out of the track, that is how tight it is!  

LockInstall a lower lock to your gates to prevent people from simply reaching over and unlocking your gate.  Of course they could hop the fence, but it is just one extra deterrence that may make them walk away from the hassle!

Keep
Keep your garage door shut at all times, even in the summer when it is tempting to leave open on a Saturday as you work about your yard.  You do not want people peering in.

Keep your side gates and shed ALWAYS locked.  While it is a hassle, the habit will soon come and you won't find the added seconds a bother. 

Keep your car locked at all times and never leave a garage door opener in the car parked in the driveway. 
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Well, now the action is on you... how much effort are you willing to give, in order to keep your family safe?!  Don't say I didn't warn you!