Q: I am purchasing a new home. What should I look for to provide the best security for my family?

This question was submitted to me through the Ventura County Star Newspaper's "Ask the Experts" feature.  My answer was published on March 14, 2011.

A: There are several factors that contribute to the security of a home. You don't say whether you already own the home or are currently looking. If you are still looking, I recommend you research the crime rates in the neighborhoods that interest you.

Also look at the local police department. What is their level of professionalism? Do they have an active crime prevention program? Are they supported by the community? What is their average response time to emergency calls? Are they understaffed? Are they progressive, employing state of the art equipment?

Once you find the right location, look at the crime resistance characteristics of the building and property. Start at the curb and work your way in. Is the house easy to find (street numbers) if police or fire units need to locate it in a hurry? Are the house and grounds well lit at night? Is landscaping maintained in such a way that it allows good visibility around the house? Are there places in the bushes where a criminal could hide? Do trees and shrubs hide doors and windows giving burglars privacy during a break in? Are all exterior doors of solid construction and equipped with quality deadbolt locks? Are sliding doors and windows equipped with adequate locking devices? Are garage doors equipped with high quality automatic openers? Does the house have – or should you consider installing - an intrusion alarm? Do some research to find out if an alarm system will significantly enhance your level of security. Usually it will, but not everyone's lifestyle, and finances are compatible with an alarm system.

Talk to the neighbors. Is there an organized neighborhood watch? Vigilant neighbors are a superb crime prevention tool. Your local police department will probably be able to provide some assistance in this area.

Obviously, there is no one size fits all answer to your question. While they have some things in common, what applies to a tract home may not be applicable to a condominium or sufficient for an estate property. Most local police departments have a crime prevention unit that offers free home security advice. Contact your local department and see what they can do for you. You can also educate yourself using the internet. Do a search on “home crime prevention” or “residential crime prevention.”

Finally, in some situations such as homes in rural or other isolated areas, or when executive residential or estate homes are involved, the advice of an independent security consultant may be useful in achieving the maximum level of protection.

Comments

[New Homes San Diego]

Well, I think the area that you are going to live in is most important. Some police departments or even local newspaper sites have a map that shows where exactly crimes have been committed in the city; that way you can see if it's a high crime area. Drive through the neighborhood late at night; if you see lots of young people loitering about that's probably not a good sign. You can on City-Data (a well known forum that covers all cities) and ask if the neighborhood is ok. A security system with cameras is good.

[garage doors]

That's a very important topic and you have answered it very well. The garage doors can be a very important factor in your security! /