Deputy Myers

By Deanna Myers

Q:  Can you do some myth-busting regarding burglar deterrents?

A:  There are some all too popular burglar deterrents many people believe truly work. Whether you have heard them on television, or heard them from an alarm company salesperson, I am here to let you know why they don’t work.

• Posting alarm company signs in front of your home. I know this is a popular one that the alarm company salesperson will try to sell you on, but in reality, it only serves as a form of advertisement for the alarm company. It can also be used against you by the burglar, by giving them the company name to potentially bypass the system.
• Hiding valuables in the bedroom (especially the master). Thieves – whether professional or amateur – know people hide their valuables in their bedrooms. Get creative and distribute your valuables in several different locations. This way if one location is found, they will not be able to get everything at once.
• Leaving the lights on. Burglars often watch a location before they actually hit it. Setting your lights up with a timer to have them turn on and off at different times will keep the burglars guessing. If they don’t know when you are or are not home, they will probably move on to the next location.
• Getting a big dog. Big dogs may look scary, but it is much more effective having a small dog that barks uncontrollably when they see or hear a stranger.
• Suspending newspaper delivery. When a burglar notices a change in routine, it is almost always a green light that you are gone and they will have the residence to themselves to burglarize.

Hope these little tips are helpful…stay safe Eastvale!

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department.  She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about eight years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.

If you would like to ask Deputy Myers a question for publication consideration, submit your request via email to editor@anapr.com.