Home, Safe Home

VACATION PLANS in place? Check. Pet sitter lined up? Check. Newspaper delivery scheduled to hold? Check. House secured? Better check again.

According to the Virginia Crime Prevention Association, Virginia had about 400 burglaries per 100,000 persons heading into 2007, the latest statistics available.

Locally, the 2003 FBI Report of Offenses Known to Law Enforcement recorded: 2,138 burglaries to 439,454 people in Virginia Beach, 1,784 to 242,077 people in Norfolk, 408 burglaries to 70,856 people in Suffolk and 1,179 to 101,060 people in Portsmouth in 2003, according to cityrating.com.

But even one in a million's too many when it's your home.

Before taking off this summer, take on the odds. Replace signs indicating "easy target" with those warning "move along" when the home's vacant.

The typical burglar's not a professional, according to Officer Helen Gillespie of the Virginia Beach Police Department's Crime Prevention Unit.

"Often, it's just somebody taking advantage of an opportunity," she said.

Burglars usually strike during the day, often through unlocked doors and windows.

"Really, we make it that easy for them," she said.

Gillespie recently conducted a 45-minute home security assessment of John and Rosanne Roble's Virginia Beach home. The inspections are free for houses and businesses throughout the city.

"It's an under-used service for the taxpayers," Gillespie said "We walk around the (property), show them the points where they're vulnerable and give suggestions for improvement."

Upon approach, she recommended creating "a clear line of sight" for police and neighbors, meaning cut shrubs low and remove lower tree branches to enhance visibility of the property. She noted exterior lights needing bulbs and recommended they stay lit from dusk to dawn with automatic timers.

While away, homeowners should have timers set inside for lights, televisions and radios, following their normal on/off pattern.

A lived-in appearance is essential, she said. Indicate someone's around with regular lawn maintenance and routine removal of mail and trash cans.

"Look at your house as if you were an intruder," Gillespie said. "How would you get in?"

They discussed deadbolts, door and frame construction and applying shatter-resistant film to the insides of windows.

The Robles have a dog. But for those who don't, Gillespie suggested putting out a large water bowl and "Beware of Dog" signs.

And while alarm systems can't replace common sense or the eyes and ears of watchful neighbors, loud noise is a deterrent, she added. Police recommend a locally monitored system, if possible.

Johns Brothers' Underwriters Laboratories-approved local central station in Norfolk offers traditional alarms and monitoring and video surveillance with Web viewing. Security packages start at $99 with monthly monitoring at about $30.

Some house surveillance products are easily installed by homeowners and can be monitored remotely via the Internet.

WiLife's do-it-yourself digital video surveillance is touted by PC Magazine and Forbes, among others, as affordable, reliable and user-friendly.

Starter kits include one indoor or outdoor camera or spy cam, computer software for remote-viewing and video storage to hard drive, and plug-in style installation from about $300.

Additional cameras, night-vision illuminators and other accessories can also be purchased, and a video tutorial guides folks through simple set-up, at www.wilife.com.

An arsenal of common sense, expert advice, good neighbors and modern technology makes a good travel companion.

"It raises the level of awareness," John Roble said. "The need to keep our guard up sometimes escapes us."

In Virginia Beach, schedule a free home security assessment through the Crime Prevention Office, 385-1006. In all other cities, inquire of your local department's information desk.

Nora Firestone, nfirestone@verizon.net