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Mountain View Police Department
1000 Villa Street
Mountain View, CA 94041
650/903-6344
Directions & Map
Hours
General Business:
8 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Mon.-Fri.)
Walk-in Crime Reports:
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. (7 days)
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Our home is our refuge, where we expect to be safe from the world. No attack on our property has more emotional impact than a break-in at our home. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to reduce the odds of crime at home.
Common At-home Crimes
The most common home crimes are burglary, domestic disturbances (arguments and/or fights between occupants) and identity theft. Break-ins that occur while people are at home are, fortunately, rare.
Emergencies
Be cautious if you return home and discover a burglary. If you have any reason to believe burglars may still be in your home, exit immediately and call the police from a safe location. An interrupted burglar may use violence to escape.
Burglaries: Methods of Entry & Prevention Opportunities
Burglars generally prefer the easiest, lowest risk opportunities. A majority of burglaries involve entry through unlocked doors or windows. By installing and using door and window locks, residents encourage burglars to find easier targets. Broken windows and doors are the second most common entry method. Solid-core doors and well-built windows are your second line of defense.
Sliding Glass Doors
Sliding glass doors can be a bad guy's best friends! Install a bolt lock, screwed into the floor with a slip bolt into the window frame. Place screws in the track so the door can not be lifted out of the track. Door should not be open more than 1/2 inch when in a locked position.
Windows
Windows can be difficult to secure. Louvered windows are not safe, unless you seal in the panes with epoxy. Otherwise panes can be easily removed. Casement windows are only safe when closed. Double-hung windows should have a keyed lock on top of the window frame. Sliding windows are like sliding doors. They need bolts with a hole drilled into the window frame. A wooden rod only works if it's long enough and strong enough to hold against a burglar's force. Windows should not be left open more than 1/2 inch.
Any glass (even a small pane) within 36 inches of a door should be burglar-resistant. Otherwise, it's simple to break it and use a tool to reach the door.
Don't Advertise for Burglars
Valuables or keys should not be easily accessible or visible from windows. Close blinds and drapes when not home. Don't keep valuable papers or cash at home.
Operation Identification
If your valuables can be identified, it's easier to catch criminals or return the property after it's been stolen. For this reason, burglars find it more difficult to sell your stuff. Engrave valuables with driver's license or identification card number. Videotape or photograph every room. Keep an inventory of your home, including: make, model, style, serial number and purchase price. If you use Quicken or a similar program, record this information when you log the purchase. Having property information aids the police and also helps you collect from your insurance company.
 Vacation Tips- Keep your absence a secret as much as possible.
- Put lights and/or a radio on timers.
- Don't put an "out of town" message on your answering machine.
- Disconnect or bolt garage door.
- Stop mail and newspapers, or have neighbors pick them up.
- Have neighbors put away garbage cans.
- Park a car in your driveway, or ask a neighbor to park one in your driveway.
- Let neighbors know who has permission to be at your home.
Alarms
Alarms can be helpful for home security, but don't put 100% faith in your alarm. Often family members don't set it before leaving home. With unmonitored alarms, it's possible that no one will call the police when it goes off. Repeated false alarms annoy your neighbors and train them to ignore your alarm.
If you decide to get an alarm, a central monitoring company is best. Be sure to put motion sensors on all windows and doors. Generally, an audible alarm is better than a silent one. Alarm stickers or signs are good deterrents. Mountain View City Code requires a permit for all alarms. Be sure your permit and contact information are up to date.
Someone at the Door
Don't try to pretend you're not home. Knowing someone is at home is a good burglary deterrent. You might want to create an illusion, so they don't think you're home alone. Don't open the door to a stranger. Look out the peep hole and make verbal contact first. You can tell a solicitor to leave their materials at the door and retrieve them later. A "No Soliciting" sign will minimize solicitors. Don't forget to teach children rules for opening the door. Practice with them and set a good example yourself.
For More Information
You can get more ideas from a home contractor, an alarm/security company, or the staff at your hardware or home store. MVPD also offers presentations and brochures on home security. | | How secure is your home?
Schedule a free, detailed security inspection.
Home Security Tips
1. Reduce complacency.
Because of low crime, we let our guards down. Keep a security mind set. Crimes can happen anywhere at anytime.
2. Lights: A crook's worst friends!
Lights on motion detectors are valuable because they alert you (and your neighbors) when someone is around your home. They can also discourage criminals.
3. Lock up.
All too often burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows. Make a habit of locking them every time you leave.
4. Make your house look lived in.
When you're going away, even for a day, put lights on timers, have someone pick up mail, park a car in driveway, etc.
5. Join Neighborhood Watch.
Network with your neighbors to prevent crime. Learn more about protecting your home and family.
Outside Your Home
Lighting
#1 crime deterrent.
Install lighting to eliminate hiding places.
Use your front porch light.
Motion sensor-activated lighting great for back and side yards.
Shrubbery
Don't give intruders a place to hide or easy climbing.
Thorns can deter access.
Fences & Gates
6 feet high.
Lock gates with padlocks.
2nd Stories
Eliminate accessremove latticework, garbage cans, trees and ladders.
Garage Doors
Easy to open with electronic door openers.
Use slide bolts.
Lock the inside door to house.
Neighbors
Let them know who has legitimate access to your home.
Get their help making your home appear lived in when on vacation.
Doors & Locks
Solid core doors.
Deadbolts only useful lock type.
1 inch minimum bolt.
Heavy duty strike plate with 3-inch screws.
Peephole (plus sufficient lighting).
Avoid (even small) doggie doors.
Mail slots can be used to insert tools.
New residents should rekey doors.
Don't hide spare keys outside.
House Numbers
Emergency personnel shouldn't have to hunt for your house!
4-6 inches high.
Lighted.
Visible from street.
Also painted on curb. |
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