SHERMAN,TX--In small towns like Sherman, we feel safer knowing it's a small, tight knit community. Just because it's small and seems safe, doesn't mean it isn't prone to everyday crime like a big city.
" Grayson county, the City of Sherman, is no different than the rest of the country, we have the same amount of crime per capita as Houston does based on population. So you're going to have a criminal element. " Says Sgt. Bruce Dawsey of the Sherman Police Department.
A criminal element like burglaries, which we've seen a lot of in the area. A few simple reminders may save you some heartache and hassle if a burglar comes knocking.
"The biggest thing when it comes to crime prevention is opportunity, if you have a criminal that has the desire to commit a crime, if he has the opportunity, he's going to take advantage of that so the key element of that is taking away the opportunity." Sgt. Dawsey says.
Things as simple as locking all your doors and windows. Turning on alarm systems, and keeping valuables out of plain sight in cars and homes.
Police say, by nature, thieves are lazy that's why they steal the stuff that you work hard for. So, don't get in a hurry or get complacent, the hassle and cost at the end of the day probably isn't worth it.
"Common sense is the main thing, lock your doors close your blinds so that they can't see in."
Same thing goes for your cars as well. Just a few little steps can ensure a whole lot of peace of mind.
Other tips police have:
- If you have an alarm system use it. Also, advertise you have one (even if you don't) because thieves would rather find a house without one.
- Reinforce the hinges on your doors. If you use longer screws and go all the way to the studs, it's a lot harder for a thief to try and break down your door, and he may give up.
- Make friends with a neighbor that's home all day, most home invasions happen when people are at work, so see if someone will look out for suspicious activity in your area.
- Close blinds, lock windows, and don't advertise valuables or make them easy to get to.
-Hide your GPS, Ipod's and other tech items in your car, don't leave them visible. Also, lock it up and park it in lighted areas at night.
- Install motion lights around the outside of your home, keep bushes maintained below windows and leave garages closed.
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