Burglary Prevention Tips

We encourage residents to complete a "Closed Home" form when you know you will be away for an extended period of time. Completed forms can be dropped off at the Meriden Police Department, 50 West Main St. or emailed to nisupervisors@meridenct.gov.

 Resident Closed Home Form 

• Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
  
• Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
  
• Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
  
• Keep your garage door closed and locked.
  
• Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
  
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
  
• Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
  
• Push button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
  
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
  
• Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
  
  Other precautions you should take:
  
• Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other "secret" hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
  
• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home -- this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
  
• Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.
  
• In many cases, burglars will ring doorbells to check if anyone is home, then break in.  If you see any behavior that looks out of place, call and report a suspicious person.  Write down any vehicle plate numbers and the description of any people or vehicles involved.
  Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9­1­1 immediately.
  
• Mark your valuables with your driver's license number with an engraver. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
  Join a Neighborhood Association and work with your neighbors to watch for suspicious activities. The Meriden Police Department  can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary. Ask for the Neighborhood Initiative Officer in your area of town by calling the Meriden Police Department at 203-238-1911.
  On a personal level, you may want to consider installing a burglar alarm system. The Meriden Police Department, however, does not and will not make any recommendations as to type or company to contact. This is a personal choice as a business or home owner.
  Call the Meriden Police Department for crime prevention advice and for a free home or business security survey.
  The Meriden Police Department can be contacted at 203-238-1911.