The Fort Myers Police Department is asking residents to help us reduce residential burglaries by following a few crime prevention tips. Giving your home the appearance that it is occupied along with making it difficult to break into will go a long way toward accomplishing this goal.
• Lock all outside doors and windows. On the subject of locks, invest in a deadbolt lock that finishes into a good, solid door frame. Breaking down a door should be a chore.
• Keep shrubs trimmed back. If windows are visible, it’s easier for neighbors or police to spot a broken window. Also, consider “thorny” shrubs. If it’s painful to access a window over shrubs, that’s a deterrent.
• Keep your garage door closed at all times. Not only does this prevent items from being stolen, it also takes away another sign that you’re home or away.
• Get to know your neighbors. This is a great deterrent to crime. Extra sets of eyes keeping a watch on your property, reporting suspicious activity that helps keep you safe. Be sure and return the favor and keep an eye on their home too.
• Consider an alarm system. Most insurance companies offer discounts for alarms, and some systems also monitor for fire.
• Watch what you throw out with the trash. If you’ve purchased a new TV, computer, or other expensive item, consider another way to dispose of the box. Cutting the box up and placing it in a garbage bag is an easy solution.
• Turn on exterior lighting after dark. Use the same schedule for lighting when you’re away that you do when you’re home. Consider timers for exterior lights.
“Take a look at your property from the roadway. Ask yourself what would a burglar find inviting about your home?,” said police spokesperson Lieutenant Victor Medico. As always if you see anyone acting suspicious or loitering in your area please do not hesitate to call the Fort Myers Police Department. Be a good witness and let us investigate further.
Lieutenant Victor Medico
Public Information Officer
Fort Myers Police Department
2210 Widman Way
Fort Myers, Florida 33901
(239) 321-7748
vmedico@fmpolice.com