A home invasion is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. For many people their home represents safety, security, and sanctuary. The Turks and Caicos Islands is still a safe country to live, work, and visit; however, people should not be complacent. Many crimes are crimes of opportunity. You can help to mitigate your risk by following some of these safety tips.
Entries points are often through an open door or window.
The areas outside of your main entrance should be lit properly so that there are no dark shadows, where someone can hide.
Keep your curtains drawn, shades and blinds down as far as possible so that people cannot look into your home, especially after nightfall.
Keep all entrances where you live well illuminated.
Install effective deadbolt locks.
Never leave your doors or windows unlocked. Keep them locked at all times even if you live in an extremely safe neighborhood and even if you are at home.
Have secure locks on all windows and be sure to use them.
Use high quality locks and strike plates on doors to prevent kick-ins and pry bars.
If your house or bedroom is equipped with a sliding glass door make sure there are secondary locking devices such as a piece of doweling, pin-locking device, or some kind of mechanism to prevent the door from being lifted out of its tracks.
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Keep porch light and lights that surrounds your house on all night or on a timer.
Leave a light on in one or two rooms inside of your home.
Routinely check all access points to your home: windows, doors, basements access and garage door. Test and examine each latch, lock, window and door.
If you come home and find a door or window open or signs of forced entry. DO NOT GO INSIDE! Go to a safe place and call the police.
Always have your door key ready so you can enter your home without delay.
If you live alone, when friends and relatives drop you off have them enter the house with you to ensure that everything is safe before they leave you alone.
Be a concerned neighbor and call 911 about suspicious people in the neighborhood.
If you see someone outside your home or your neighbor’s home who looks suspicious, alert your neighbors and contact the police.
Get to know your neighbors and work with them to keep your neighborhood safe.
If you are a victim of a home invasion, remember the following:
Even though you are nervous try to stay calm.
Concentrate on getting information so you can be an effective witness.
o Look carefully at the intruders, even if they are masked. Is there something unique about them such as scars, tattoos, large nose?
o What are they wearing? Listen to everything they say and how they say it.
o Catch any distinguishing odors such as tobacco, also alcohol or aftershave.
After an event:
Go to a safe place.
Call the Police
Preserve evidence – do not change your clothes or disturb the scene of the crime. If you need medical attention, call 911.
The RTCIPF has put measures in place to help ensure people’s safety and security but the RTCI Police needs the public’s assistance. The RTCIPF is committed to making our country a safer place to live. But we cannot do it alone, we must all work together. Neighborhood Watch can be implemented and the RTCI police Community Policing team can help. Visit communitypolice@tcipolice.tc