New Canaan Police Offer Summer Home Security Tips

NEW CANAAN, CT — While the summer months are known for being carefree and relaxing, New Canaan police urge residents to remember to safeguard themselves and their property while they are home and away.

According to a news release posted to the town website, New Canaan has experienced recent home and vehicle burglaries.

"It is important to be proactive to help prevent being victimized," the release reads. "While some burglaries occur through forced entries, many occur through unlocked doors or windows. The vast majority of stolen vehicles occur because the keys/fobs were left inside the vehicle."

The following crime prevention tips for residents' homes were provided by police:

• Always remember to lock all doors and windows, and keep your house and car keys either on your person or secure inside of your home!
• Keep the exterior lit up; motion-sensor lighting can be relatively inexpensive and is a deterrent for criminals.
• Consider motion-activated cameras; these can alert you remotely that someone is on your property.
• Keep bushes trimmed low and trees pruned to allow for visibility of your property to both neighbors and from the roadway.
• Consider an alarm system for your house’s entry points and windows.
• Get to know your neighbors and communicate with them; community surveillance and awareness is a great way to be alerted to unusual occurrences.

If you are going away, you can:

1. Put a hold on your mail and delivery services
2. Have the yard trimmed neatly
3. Use timers for lighting
4. Tell a trusted neighbor to watch for unusual activity
5. Add your residence to the New Canaan Police Department’s Closed House List

Police Services

Security Assessments - The New Canaan Police Department has officers who are trained in the principles of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED). The officers will evaluate a property’s exterior (and interior if requested) and make educated recommendations that can enhance safety and make the area a harder target for criminals. Many of the tips you receive are simple low-cost measures to help secure your property. To schedule a security assessment, you can call/text the Department’s Community Impact Officer, Roy Adams, at 203-989-6050.

Closed House List - The department offers to residents who may be away from their New Canaan home for an extended period of time the opportunity to be placed on a Closed House List. Residences on the list are checked once a week by a uniformed police officer. Information on the list is kept confidential. Homeowners who are leaving their house unattended and wish to be placed on the Closed House List should call 203-594-3500 for further information.

"The officers of the New Canaan Police Department wish you a safe and happy summer," the release reads.