Safety tips from Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott on preventing burglary/home invasion:
 

Before a Home Invasion Occurs

Have the Richland County Sheriff’s Department conduct a FREE crime prevention analysis of your home. They will discuss hardening your home or apartment against possible unwanted entry. Like:

  • Use at least 3 inch screws in the lock strike plate and door hinges

  • Use a wide-angle peephole and instruct everyone in your family not to open the door to strangers.

  • Fortification of rear doors, sliding glass doors and garage doors are also important.

  • Make announcements out loud before opening the door to give the appearance that you are not alone. Example (“John can you put the dog away!”)

  • Be suspicious of someone claiming to be making a delivery that you did not expect.

    • During a Home Invasion

    • Don’t fight over property loss, it can be replaced…. Your life cannot.

    • If the situation allows you to comply, then be passive and do not confront the Invader.

    • Have an Escape Plan from your home or apartment if possible.

    • Children are often overlooked as potential rescuers; train them in calling 911 or getting help from a neighbor.

    • Never stop thinking! Keep a cool head.

    • Focus on the invader’s description and gather as much detail using all of your senses. Be a good witness!

    After a Home Invasion

    • Immediately call 911

    • Do not ever follow an intruder once they leave your home. Leave that for the police

    • Go to a room or area where the invader's) did not contaminate, preferably to a lockable room.

    • Write down the suspect’s description. What they said, did and touched. This will help you stay calm until the police arrive and help them start their investigation.

    • Preserve the crime scene so that the police can process the area for evidence.

    Additional safety suggestions:

    • Report all suspicious activity, persons and cars to the police immediately. Nothing is too small to be reported.

    • Do not open your door to anyone you do not know.

    • Put your address (numerical #s) on your mailbox or at the street for emergency personnel.

    • Do not leave valuable items in plain view of windows (either in your home or cars).

    • Do not “Flash” cash, credit cards or your wallet contents when making purchases. Know how you are going to pay before you go to the counter.

    • Leave a radio or TV on when you leave the house.

    • Put lights on alternating timers when you leave home and do not disconnect them when you are home.

    • Cut all bushes and trees back from around windows and doors to avoid hiding spots and shadows.

    • Outside floodlights should be left on from dusk to dawn. REMOVE motion detectors and put in timers.

    • If you arrive home and find an open window or door, or see a suspicious person or vehicle, call 911 from a neighbor’s phone. Don’t go inside!

    • Do not give personal information out over the phone. Be aware of scams.

    • Do not stop delivery of your mail and newspaper when you travel.

    • Always park in well-lighted locations and go shopping with a friend.

    • Be alert at all times! Be aware of who is watching you.

    • Apartment Complexes should join the Richland County Sheriff's Department Apartment Complex Coalition.

    • Get to know your neighbors.

     Get involved in a neighborhood watch.

    5623 Two Notch Road 
    Columbia, South Carolina 29223 
    (803) 576-3000 phone (803) 576-3195 fax
    sheriff@rcsd.net

    Copyright © 2006 Richland County Sheriff's Department