MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) – Whether you live out near Lake Mitchell, close to the Dakota Wesleyan University campus, or right in the heart of town, your home should be a place of comfort and security.
But even in a close-knit community like Davison County, homes can still be targeted by opportunists looking to make off with your hard-earned possessions.
Securing a home isn’t about making it an impenetrable fortress; it involves layers of deterrence that compel burglars to move on to an easier opportunity.
ADT notes the average thief takes less than 12 minutes to burglarize a home, and most use simple tools like screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers to force entry.
By addressing your home’s vulnerabilities, you can beef up your security in no time. Here are some tips on making sure you can outsmart potential criminals:
Upgrade Your Locks
The majority of burglars enter a home through the front or back doors. Strengthening these access points is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
If you’re picking up supplies at local spots like Thune True Value or Menards, security experts suggest looking for an ANSI Grade 1 or Grade 2 deadbolt with a minimum one-inch throw bolt. Standard spring-latch locks are easy to bypass, while a heavy-duty lock is ineffective if the surrounding door frame is weak.
Additionally, replace the short screws on your door plate strikes with three-inch hardened steel screws that drive straight into the wall’s underlying studs.
Mind Your Sliding Doors
Glass sliding patio doors let lots of natural light in and offer easy access to decks and backyards. Yet, they are notoriously easy to force open.
Experts say that this can be remedied by placing an adjustable security bar or a heavy wooden dowel in the interior track. Adding shatter-resistant security film to the glass panes also beefs up security while helping insulate against harsh South Dakota winter drafts.
Stop the Blind Spots
Thieves prefer to work in the dark or out of sight of the street and neighbors–a real concern during long, dark winters. Strategic lighting and landscape management will remove these blind spots.
Experts advise trimming shrubs and bushes below window height and cutting back tree branches, so the home isn’t concealed. Motion-activated floodlights positioned eight to 10 feet off the ground can also safely light up driveways and pathways.
Use Home Security Technology
Modern smart home devices serve as excellent deterrents for would-be thieves.
Exterior cameras and video doorbells will capture clear facial features and let the thieves know that they are being watched. Smart plugs or bulbs can be programmed to turn on and off at various times to simulate an active household.
Experts advise that if you install a monitored system that dispatches authorities, it’s always a good idea to check in with the Mitchell Police Department regarding any necessary alarm registrations or protocols.
Lock Up
Of course, one of the best ways to make sure a home more secure is to simply be mindful of locking up each time you leave the house.
It seems obvious, but whether you’re heading downtown for an event at the Corn Palace or just running out for a quick grocery trip, always lock your doors, windows, and garage. Never leave an automatic garage door remote exposed in a car parked outside.
If you ever notice suspicious activity in your neighborhood, don’t hesitate to reach out to local authorities. You can contact the Mitchell Police Department at 605-995-8400 or the Davison County Sheriff’s Office at 605-995-8630.