Holiday Burglary Prevention Tips Offered by Malibu/Lost Hills Deputies

CALABASAS, CA — Deputies at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station have issued a set of tips to prevent residential burglaries during the holiday season.

Deputies say that high-end neighborhoods, those near freeways and homes backing up to open spaces are often targeted — and the station's coverage area is filled exactly those types of residences.

Here are deputies' tips for preventing burglaries of your own home and those of your neighbors:

• Make it appear that someone is home at all times, such as by leaving a car in the driveway, keeping lights on or leaving a TV or radio on.
• Video recording devices and other home security tech can offer easy and inexpensive protection.
• Dogs can protect property and deter intruders.
• Talk with your neighbors about when you won't be home so they can keep an eye out.
• Avoid paranoia, but be "appropriately suspicious" of unusual vehicles or people slowly traveling through the neighborhood.