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Crime Prevention

The Wilton Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Program instructs its participants on:

  • How to reduce the risk of being victimized at home and out in public.
  • How to recognize and report suspicious activities.
  • How to make their homes more secure and how to put identifiable marks on their property.
  • How neighbors can get to know each other and their routines so that activities that are out of the norm can be reported.
  • How to reduce the fear of crime by making neighborhoods more crime hardened.
  • The Wilton Police Department will provide neighborhood watch signs to participating neighborhood groups who form watches.

Home Security Crime Prevention Tips

Before installing any of the below listed safety devices check with your local fire code, and do not install any safety device which cannot be opened from the inside in the event of an emergency.

  • Exterior Doors - Most thieves enter through unlocked windows and doors. Entry doors should consist of 1 ½" thick solid hardwood or metal. Adding a peephole for wide-angle exterior viewing and strong non-removable hinges should be considered.
  • Locks - High quality ball bearing style lock-sets and dead bolts constructed of hardened steel (to prevent thieves from cutting through it) with a minimum bolt throw of 1". There are two different styles of dead bolts: single vs. double cylinder. Single cylinder locks require a key only on the exterior with a turn knob on the interior (be cautious when locating this type of lock near a breakable window. Once the window is broken, an individual could reach in and turn the interior knob.) Double cylinder locks require a key to operate both sides (this would deter the above crime scenario. Some local codes do not allow double cylinder locks because they may block emergency exits and may be harder to operate for children and seniors.
  • Garage Doors - Thieves like the security of a quick entry through an unlocked garage door that can be quickly closed behind them. It offers them cover as they gain entry through the interior access door leading into the residence. A solution to this would be to make sure the interior access doors leading into the residence are locked and have an adequate deadbolt lock set. Although garage door openers provide some security, they can be forced open. Garage doors should always be locked using its interior slide bolt.
  • Window Security - For double hung windows install some type of locking mechanisms. For example, install a slide bolt or drill a hole at a downward angle that penetrates both upper and lower sashes then place a nail in the hole. Basement windows are especially vulnerable. Secure them by means of fixed bars or grates. Do not install any permanent device that cannot be removed from the inside in case of an emergency. Prune shrubs that may conceal thieves attempting to enter the home. Make sure ladders are secured or stored in a locked shed.
  • Outdoor Lighting - Install lighting near walkways, entrances, garage doors, and other points of entry into the residence. Make sure lights are placed out of the burglar's reach and replace broken bulbs. Aim floodlights away from the home so you can see people approaching. Motion sensing lights that activate automatically may startle potential thieves.
  • Alarm Systems - There are many electronic security devices on the market today that will suit many different security needs. Evaluate several companies to determine the level of security you may require. Check references prior to purchasing the system. Note: Alarm systems that continually set off false alarms may result in Town of Wilton imposed fines.

Consumer Rights

When employing home improvement contractors to work on your home, be sure to check three local references and ask to see the contractor's State of Connecticut issued registration number. Soliciting work without this registration number is a criminal act.

Any signed contracts have a three-day revocation period allowing the homeowner to legally cancel any contract.

Check with the Better Business Bureau or Consumer Protection Division of Connecticut for any negative history on an individual or business you are considering using.

For more information on Crime Prevention contact Lieutenant David Hartman at the Wilton Police Department (203) 834-6260.