Steps to Improve Your Home Security
As I walked around the neighborhood with my dog, it was very clear to me who was home and who was not: no lights on, no cars parked in the driveway, trash cans left out past pickup day, newspapers in the driveway, packages in the doorways – all signs of an unoccupied home.
Lighting your home not only lets others know someone is home but also helps promote safety in the community for those who walk on the sidewalks or in alleyways. House lights alert burglars to your presence in the home. The porch light also acts as a spotlight on the front door; you can easily see who’s approaching through a window or peephole, and others can see if anyone approaches your home from their vantage points.
Consider these home security tips:
- Install timers on exterior lights to come on at dusk and install a timer on a lamp inside your home.
- Ask a neighbor to bring in your trash and recycling cans and park one of their cars in your driveway while you’re away.
- Stop newspaper delivery and ask your neighbor to promptly remove any solicitation materials.
- Install motion-sensor lights around the outside of your home.
- Update your security system and have a family emergency plan.
- Have packages delivered to your workplace temporarily
- Don’t leave valuables in your vehicles, and always lock car doors.
- Trim back landscaping so your home’s entryways are visible to all.
The Issaquah Highlands Community Association (IHCA) is in constant contact with the Issaquah Police Department (IPD) and the King County Sheriff’s Office regarding local illegal activity such as vehicles and package theft. Theft is on the uptick, and it’s happening everywhere, not just in Issaquah Highlands.
With the lack of available police officers nationwide and changes to Washington state laws dictating what actions IPD can take in any given situation, homeowners are advised to use today’s technology to safeguard their homes as much as possible. Be vigilant, report suspicious behavior to IPD, and share ring videos on social media to alert your neighbors.
Additional resources:
- For emergencies in progress: 911.
- IPD non-emergency: 425-837-3000.
- City of Issaquah crime data resources
May your holidays be warm and safe,
Sarah Hoey, IHCA executive director, on behalf of the IHCA staff and Board of Directors
