Crime prevention tips
Here's tips on how to make your home safe.
:: Close your blinds at night.
:: Lock your door even when home or in
your yard.
:: If you're going out of town have a neighbor collect your mail
and watch your home...leave phone #'s where you can be reached.
Serial numbers
Everyone should take the time to write down the serial
numbers of any and every thing of value in their home. It's probably easiest to
do this when you first purchase items. When unpacking the new TV or computer
from its box, take the time to note the serial numbers. Take those numbers and
write them down in a ledger or enter them into a spreadsheet on your home
computer. Make a back up copy. If you keep your information on your computer and
the computer is stolen, then the list is useless. Provide a copy of the
information to a relative or trusted friend. That back up copy can also help you
in filing insurance claims in the event of a home fire.
Doors
All exterior doors should be solid-core, rather than hollow
core. Any lock installed in a hollow core door is much less secure. In fact,
hollow core doors are more easily lifted off their hinges and are not heavy
enough to support the better locks, such as double cylinder deadbolts. If doors
have windowpanes, they should have double cylinder deadbolts. Otherwise, a thief
can break the glass, reach in and open the lock and let himself in (Double
cylinder deadbolts require a key to open from both sides.)
A wide-angle peephole installed at eye level permits you to see who is outside the door without opening the door. It is much more preferable than a chain lock for this purpose. Strike plates (where the lock fits into the door frame) should be installed with 2 ½" screws to provide maximum security. The extra long screws will penetrate into the 2X4 framing around the door and make it much harder for someone to force the door open.
The safety of our community is a partnership
The safety of our community is a partnership between neighborhood residents and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Bad incidents can happen anywhere and also in the Elizabeth community. Keep your doors locked, and never open it to someone you don't know. Always pay attention as you go to and from your car. If you see something that strikes you suspicious in your home or business call 704-353-1000 or if you see or suspect an active crime notify the police at 911 immediatley.
