FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BURGLARY

Burglary, Aggravated Burglary, Breaking and Entering: What's the Difference?

Generally, a Burglary is a trespass into an occupied structure to commit a theft or any other felony. If the offender also had in his possession a deadly weapon or threatens, attempts, or inflicts physical harm it becomes an Aggravated Burglary. Breaking and Entering (B & E) is, generally, a trespass into an unoccupied structure to commit a theft or any other felony.

If you require specific legal definitions or punishments, your prosecutor's office can be of assistance.

Protect Yourself from Burgulary At Home

• Get a watchdog.
  
  
• Don't keep large amounts of money or other valuables at home.
  
  
• Lock outside doors at all times, even when you are on the premises.
  
  
• Don't open the door to strangers.
  
  
• Install dead bolts.
  
  
• When you move into a new house or apartment, have new locks installed.
  
  
• Check door moldings for tight fit.
  
  
• Doors should have hinges so that no pins can be removed from outside.
  
  
• Replace locks with the double-cylinder type (which also needs keys on the inside), particularly doors with glass panels.
  
  
• Keep your garage and tool shed locked.
  
  
• Remove all obstructions in your yard that could conceal a burglar breaking into your house.
  
  
• Install Motion Lights.

Away From Home

• Purchase a timer to switch lights on and off.
  
  
• Arrange to have mail and newspaper deliveries discontinued or taken care of by a responsible neighbor.
  
  
• Inform neighbors and local police of your traveling plans so that special attention will be paid to your home.
  
  
• Help The Police Help Your Home.
  
  
• Write down the license number of vehicles used by suspicious persons in your neighborhood.
  
  
• Keep an inventory of valuables so you will know immediately if anything is missing. Include photographs of jewels and serial numbers of other costly items.

Burglary Victims Experience A Variety of Feelings

Many people believe that "property" crimes are not "people" crimes. Victims know better.

Most victims with whom we work tell us they are angry and upset that someone entered their house and took their valuables. Reporting and replacing stolen items is a bother and an inconvenience. When those articles are irreplaceable, our feelings can be identical to those we experience whenever we lose something or someone very dear to us.

It is normal to feel upset after your house has been broken into. Someone has entered your private space - a place that you reserve for those invited. The experience can be intimidating and the fact that there is often no direct recourse is an additional irritant. There is a sense in which the security, once enjoyed, is now compromised. It is not uncommon to feel somewhat uneasy.

Some victims also feel sad and lonely because they have lost valuables which are parts of their family's history or that links them to dear friends or loved ones. They see this as an act that separates them from their intimate and personal connections with others. This is a normal reaction to the circumstance.

We care about how you feel. Let us know and one of our staff can meet with you and help in any way. It is not just our job - we want to help.

Take Action to Ensure Your Security

One excellent way to reduce your anxiety is to take action to increase your security:

• Evaluate the security areas in your house: windows, doors and lights.
  
  
• Install dead-bolt locks (especially if you are repairing damage due to the break-in). If you have a glass window near the lock, purchase a dead-bold lock that requires a key for both inside and outside operation.
  
  
• Consider increasing the security of your windows by installing pins or screws inserted between the window frame and exterior frame.
  
  
• Secure your exterior doors. Remove the center screws from each hinge. Drive a heavy nail into one of the holes leaving 1/2" protruding. Then widen opposite hole with a drill. This will prevent your door from being removed by pulling the hinge pins.
  
  
• For sliding windows and doors purchase a slide lock with a key. They are designed to prevent patio type doors from being forced open.
  
  
• Consider having a peephole installed in your outside door. You will not have to open your door to determine the identity of your caller.
  
  
• Proper and creative lighting of your premises and home not only makes you feel secure but also makes your property safer.
  
  
• If you are away from your house, use timers on various lights within your home to give the "message" that your domicile is inhabited. It has also been found effective to leave a radio or TV playing to give the impression someone is home.
  
  
• Alert your good neighbors. Consider a neighborhood watch.

What Does Your Insurance Policy Say?

This is the time to check your insurance policy. Are you covered under your present policy? If you need help, contact your insurance agent. Your agent may be able to identify coverage of which you are unaware or clarify your policy. Your agent can also assist you in preparing a report if such is indicated. If you don't have theft insurance, realistically consider it.

Some Items Need Immediate Attention

Credit cards, check books, and many security type documents are negotiable. Remember, in most circumstances you are not responsible for illegal use of credit cards AFTER you have reported their disappearance. Victim Assistance has a list of important agencies and numbers to be contacted to replace cards and other valuable documents (how about your social security card, driver's license, Passport?)

Victim Assistance Program serves Summit County and help is free of charge. All assistance is confidential. We talk with you... never about you.

If you have to go to the police department, the prosecutor's office, or court, one of our Victim Advocate staff will go with you. We also have Victim Witness staff members in the Municipal Prosecutor's office that will help you. They can provide information, support, assistance and accompaniment.

If you have any questions, please call us. What we don't know we will find out for you. All you have to do is call us and let us know: 330-376-0040 24 hours.

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