The Fairfax Hills community is blessed with a relatively low crime rate—and we want to keep it that way.
As part of Community Watch, our residents are eligible for a free, crime prevention “hardening” analysis. Officers will come to your home and conduct an inspection and analysis—to provide you with specific tips to make your home less likely to be targeted by burglars and more secure against break-ins.
John and Jeanne White made a request. Officer J. A. Burgess called and provided a mutually convenient date. Three cruisers arrived on Springfield Drive. The three officers were led by Officer Burgess, our community relations officer. First, they advised where a potential criminal might park a vehicle, so that it would be less noticeable to the other neighbors on the street.
The the process took about one hour, with an outside inspection and then an interior review. There were tips that were specific to the home being inspected, but some information is universal.
- Doors should have deadbolt locks with a one inch throw and reinforced strike plate with three inch screws. All windows should have window locks.
- To secure sliding glass doors inexpensively, place a metal rod or piece of hardwood dowel in the track and install vertical bolts. There are other methods, including security bars and double locks. The objective is to prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
- Outdoor lights, equipped with sensors, are an excellent deterrent.
- The use of inexpensive, fake security cameras often discourages burglars.
There is a waiting list for the hardening analysis, which means your review may be 3-4 weeks out.
To schedule, call Crime Prevention Officer J.A. Burgess at 919.996.1572. His email is jeffrey.burgess@RaleighNC.gov.
