NOTES ON SECURITY AT HOME
CONFRONTATION
In the event that an intruder should enter your home, in spite of your precautions to prevent entry, at a time when you are at home, here are some suggestions that should be considered in order to avoid potential danger to yourself and your family.
The majority of robberies in homes in this area in the past two years, have occurred in the following circumstances:
If you awake at night and you are sure there is an intruder in the house, make a noise (panic button alarm is best) and the intruder will most likely be scared off. He is not looking for a confrontation.
Put on as many lights as possible - phone neighbors and security immediately.
If you have a convenient exit to safely leave your house and alert neighbors and security, that is an alternative to locking yourself in your 'safe' room until you are certain the robber has left. (There have been occasions when robbers have 'rifled' through drawers etc, even with the occupants asleep, in their own bedrooms. This eventuality can be extremely traumatic: only you can decide what risk you take if there is a surprise confrontation: but it is recommended not to endanger yourself by violence. In most cases the intruder will bolt for the door before he risks being seen).
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SOME HINTS ON HOME SECURITY MEASURES
Only total vigilance and continuous awareness of the need to help prevent an entry into your home will lessen the risk of being robbed.
KEYS
Never leave keys lying around. Past experience has shown that 'inside jobs' have originated with the 'disappearance' -or even copies made - perhaps by a domestic worker or a tradesperson. (That worker you fired several months ago could have cause to pass on a key to their friend- you can never be suspicious enough).
You may leave spare keys with your friends and neighbors for emergency - be sure that they are never exposed or marked with your name and address.
If a key goes missing without explanation- change the lock.
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WINDOWS
Unless it is necessary, keep unsecured windows closed and locked in rooms not being used - even when you're at home.
Metal bars are obviously a great prevention: but not all homes have them - or want them - this is a discretionary move.
Check that all the locks in windows are functional and cannot be tampered with from outside. Sliding windows (and doors) are more protected with wooden slats placed in the slide groove to prevent opening.
There are very inexpensive window alarms that are easily attached to the frame and the moving section: they will sound very loud if a window is forced open from the outside. These are available locally for less than 2 dollars each.
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LIGHTING
Install as many security lights as possible especially the ones with sensors that are activated by movement after dark, especially around entrances and key areas: they are relatively inexpensive.
If you plan to be away, install timers on your lights and lamps to come on for a few hours each night.
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RADIO OR MUSIC PLAYER
As with the above timers, have music switched on automatically at various times - all these moves will help deter the burglar who prefers an empty home.
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ALARM SYSTEMS
A natural choice, and it is recommended that in addition to the obvious sensors around the house and garden, that you consider installing a 'panic button' by your bedside, for example, that triggers off the alarm in the event that you are suspicious of intrusion of any sort.
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PET DOGS
A medium/large breed of dog that need not be a trained guard dog, can be a good deterrent: many people in Mexico have a fear of dogs, and the sound of loud barking or the prospect of being bitten is going to help turn them away.
Return to Top
HAVE A PLAN
Have a family planning meeting to decide what everyone should do in the event of an intrusion, or emergency.
CONFRONTATION
In the event that an intruder should enter your home, in spite of your precautions to prevent entry, at a time when you are at home, here are some suggestions that should be considered in order to avoid potential danger to yourself and your family.
The majority of robberies in homes in this area in the past two years, have occurred in the following circumstances:
- Casual entry through an unlocked door or window.
- The intruder has entered the property even when the occupants are at home: either day-time or night-time. They are very brazen.
- Actual break ins are rarer, because, if the thief is convicted, this act carries a heavier sentence than entry via an open door or window.
- Cameras and laptops have been taken, but less than above.
- Golden rule: don't leave items exposed - always have a hiding spot, if you don't have a safe.
- And never leave a wallet or handbag etc. in an open area where doors or windows are unlocked in areas away from your presence.
If you awake at night and you are sure there is an intruder in the house, make a noise (panic button alarm is best) and the intruder will most likely be scared off. He is not looking for a confrontation.
Put on as many lights as possible - phone neighbors and security immediately.
If you have a convenient exit to safely leave your house and alert neighbors and security, that is an alternative to locking yourself in your 'safe' room until you are certain the robber has left. (There have been occasions when robbers have 'rifled' through drawers etc, even with the occupants asleep, in their own bedrooms. This eventuality can be extremely traumatic: only you can decide what risk you take if there is a surprise confrontation: but it is recommended not to endanger yourself by violence. In most cases the intruder will bolt for the door before he risks being seen).
Return to Top
SOME HINTS ON HOME SECURITY MEASURES
Only total vigilance and continuous awareness of the need to help prevent an entry into your home will lessen the risk of being robbed.
KEYS
Never leave keys lying around. Past experience has shown that 'inside jobs' have originated with the 'disappearance' -or even copies made - perhaps by a domestic worker or a tradesperson. (That worker you fired several months ago could have cause to pass on a key to their friend- you can never be suspicious enough).
You may leave spare keys with your friends and neighbors for emergency - be sure that they are never exposed or marked with your name and address.
If a key goes missing without explanation- change the lock.
Return to Top
WINDOWS
Unless it is necessary, keep unsecured windows closed and locked in rooms not being used - even when you're at home.
Metal bars are obviously a great prevention: but not all homes have them - or want them - this is a discretionary move.
Check that all the locks in windows are functional and cannot be tampered with from outside. Sliding windows (and doors) are more protected with wooden slats placed in the slide groove to prevent opening.
There are very inexpensive window alarms that are easily attached to the frame and the moving section: they will sound very loud if a window is forced open from the outside. These are available locally for less than 2 dollars each.
Return to Top
LIGHTING
Install as many security lights as possible especially the ones with sensors that are activated by movement after dark, especially around entrances and key areas: they are relatively inexpensive.
If you plan to be away, install timers on your lights and lamps to come on for a few hours each night.
Return to Top
RADIO OR MUSIC PLAYER
As with the above timers, have music switched on automatically at various times - all these moves will help deter the burglar who prefers an empty home.
Return to Top
ALARM SYSTEMS
A natural choice, and it is recommended that in addition to the obvious sensors around the house and garden, that you consider installing a 'panic button' by your bedside, for example, that triggers off the alarm in the event that you are suspicious of intrusion of any sort.
Return to Top
PET DOGS
A medium/large breed of dog that need not be a trained guard dog, can be a good deterrent: many people in Mexico have a fear of dogs, and the sound of loud barking or the prospect of being bitten is going to help turn them away.
Return to Top
HAVE A PLAN
Have a family planning meeting to decide what everyone should do in the event of an intrusion, or emergency.