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Sandra Yi reportingThe season of giving can bring out the best in people and unfortunately, the worst.
Police say the number of burglaries and home invasions go up this time of year. Sandra Yi has some easy ways, to protect our homes.
In the hustle and bustle of it all, criminals could be prowling for the perfect opportunity. Not in the malls, but in your home.
Anthony Mayhew: "Right now, everybody's buying stuff and they know if they were to invade a home right now, they're going to get all new stuff."
Anthony Mayhew is working with a non-profit organization to develop a website, with various resources, including help for victims of crime.
Anthony Mayhew: "There are a lot of things you can do to protect your home."
He says, focus on your doors, locks and windows. Mayhew says every door should have a deadbolt, and it should always be locked all the way.
Anthony Mayhew: "If it's not clicking and locking in, a criminal can actually go through the frame and tap on that lock and it'll actually spring back."
F IT'S NOT CLICKING AND LOCKING IN, A CRIMINAL CAN ACTUALLY GO THROUGH THE FRAME RIGHT HERE AND TAP ON THAT LOCK AND IT'LL ACTUALLY SPRING BACK."
He prefers a deadbolt with a flat lock, rather than one with a lock that sticks out. Here's why:
Anthony Mayhew: "They grab on with a pipe wrench and literally tear that off."
Pat Klotovich sells locks.
Pat Klotovich/ Lock Expert: "Always try to select your product that will have substance to it."
She says maintenance is important, so periodically check your doors.
As for windows, manufacturers are improving windows with safety in mind. For example, this window has a red dot that indicates it's unlocked.
Gary Goodwin/ Window Expert: "It also won't lock if the window's open, so we don't get a false sense of security."
This little device is also for windows. It's available at any hardware store, for a few bucks. It attaches to the window's base and screws in place to keep unwanted visitors, out.
And Goodwin says if you're shopping for new windows, look for a sticker which indicates the window meets certain security standards.
Here's another tip from police: Leave the lights on when you leave your house and pull the blinds, so people can't see your tree and gifts through the window.
