Recommendations to Protect a Vacant Home or Property Under Construction

The City has recently experienced burglaries of homes that are under construction or being renovated. When homes are temporarily vacant or under construction, it’s crucial to implement safety measures to improve the security of the property and belongings. Please consider the following recommended safety tips to increase the security of your home or property:

1.  Portable Bathrooms: When homes are undergoing renovation, place portable bathrooms on the property in a discreet location that is out of the public view. A visible portable bathroom sends a message that the home is under construction and may be vacant.

2.  Construction Signage: Avoid conspicuous company marketing signs that note the home is under construction. It may send the message that the home is vacant and attract unwanted attention.

3.  Home Security Systems: If your home has a security system, ensure it is activated when construction crews are finished working. Provide the construction crew with the necessary codes for access but remember to change the codes promptly after the project is completed. Place conspicuous signs around the property that show the home is monitored by a security system.  You can obtain stickers and signs from your alarm company or find them at a hardware store. Consider using motion activated exterior flood lights.

4.  Final Check Before Leaving: Before the construction crew leaves for the day, have them conduct a thorough check of the property to ensure all entry points are secure. This includes windows, doors, and any other openings that could pose a security risk.

5.  Construction Tool Storage: Request the construction crew to store their tools and equipment safely indoors when not in use.

6.  Use Timers: Install self-timing lights both inside and outside of the property to make it appear as though it’s occupied. Timed lights can help maintain visibility during evening hours. Another low-cost approach is to place a radio or television on a timer inside the home to operate at a reasonable volume. Use window covers so no one can peer into the home.

7.  Remove Your Valuables: Remove valuable items such as electronics, appliances, and construction materials from the property or store them in a secure off-site location. This reduces the incentive for burglars to target the property.

8.  Record Your Property: Keep a detailed inventory of items stored on the property, including serial numbers and photographs where possible. In the event of a burglary, this information can aid law enforcement in recovery efforts.

9.  Talk to Your Neighbors: Inform neighbors about the scheduled construction times to enhance community awareness. Neighbors can play a crucial role in reporting any suspicious activity or unexpected visitors to vacant properties.

10.  Regular Site Supervision: Assign a responsible person to oversee the construction site regularly, even during non-working hours. This proactive approach can help address any security concerns promptly.

11. Suspected Burglaries:  If you suspect that someone has entered your home without your permission, do not enter the home.  Instead, contact the Takoma Park Police Department at 301-270-1100 or dial 911 and move safely away from the home and wait for officers. Responding officers will investigate any burglary and ensure no one is in the home so you may safely enter.

12. Report Suspicious Behavior
If you see a suspicious vehicle or someone displaying suspicious behavior in your neighborhood, contact the police.

Write down the license plates of any suspicious vehicles. Write down a description of any suspicious persons who are exhibiting suspicious behaviors. Take a cell phone photo or video if you can do it safely. Detailed and descriptive information of suspects or vehicles can assist officers in any subsequent investigation.

Suspicious behavior or situations include any activity that is out of place and does not fit into the usual day-to-day activity of your neighborhood. For example, the following behaviors of a person or group may be considered suspicious:

·          Looking into a house or car window
·          Pulling on home door knobs or vehicle car doors
·          Walking aimlessly in residential backyards
·          Walking into residential garages or sheds
·          Hiding behind shrubbery or trees to avoid detection
·          Appearing nervous, making furtive movements, or looking around to see if they are being noticed
·          Claiming to represent a utility company without an official uniform and does not display or produce identification upon request. or does not have a company logo vehicle
·          Carrying property at an unusual hour or location, especially if they are attempting to hide the item
·          Using binoculars, ladders, or other devices to peer into apartment and home windows
·          Abruptly changing behavior, direction, or attempting to hide when seen
·          Dressing inappropriately for the weather (having a coat on when the temperature is warm/hot)
·          Leaving packages, bags, or other items behind
·          Driving a vehicle slowly and aimlessly through the neighborhood more than once
·          Parking and idling inside vehicles in front of homes or sitting in a vehicle for extended periods

By implementing these recommendations, property owners can be proactive in reducing burglaries and protecting their vacant homes or properties under construction.

You can use your cell phone to send an anonymous tip to the Takoma Park Police Department. Here is how:

Text to 847411

Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

Type your message, including as much detail as possible, to ensure that your tip is thoroughly investigated.

For Non-Emergency issues, please contact the Takoma Park Police at 301-270-1100. For EMERGENCIES (Police, Fire and Rescue) please call 911.