SAN ANTONIO -- Every week, the News 4 WOAI Trouble Shooters track the crimes that happen in your neighborhood. This week, we're looking at home burglaries and what you can do to make your home more secure.Ben Cantu was still a bit shaken up when he spoke to News 4 WOAI about the call he got from his 14-year-old grandson around 9:00 a.m. Monday as someone tried to break into the teen's home on the South Side.
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"What happened was the car apparently drove into the driveway, parked right here, and the individual started beating on the front door. As he was walking to the back, he heard him start beating on the back door, " explained Cantu. ""When he couldn't open it, he started kicking it. And, at that time, my grandson went into the bathroom and shut the door."He called 911, just as the guy kicked down the door."He had completely busted the door," Cantu added. "We had to replace the whole frame."The burglar ended up getting away with a laptop computer.His grandson wasn't hurt, but it hit way too close to home for Ben."This was terrifying for me," Cantu told News 4 WOAI.
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"What happened was the car apparently drove into the driveway, parked right here, and the individual started beating on the front door. As he was walking to the back, he heard him start beating on the back door, " explained Cantu. ""When he couldn't open it, he started kicking it. And, at that time, my grandson went into the bathroom and shut the door."He called 911, just as the guy kicked down the door."He had completely busted the door," Cantu added. "We had to replace the whole frame."The burglar ended up getting away with a laptop computer.His grandson wasn't hurt, but it hit way too close to home for Ben."This was terrifying for me," Cantu told News 4 WOAI.
What you can do to secure your home
News 4 WOAI's crime prevention expert, Gilbert de la Portilla says there are things we can do to make it very hard for burglars to get in.Windows. Gilbert says you should make sure your windows are locked. If possible, replace older, single-pane windows with double-pane windows. It will take more than a tap to break them.Bushes. Gilbert also recommends you trim down the bushes next to the windows. Don't give a crook a place to hide while they try to break into your home.Lighting. Adding outside lighting is also a good idea. Thieves don't want to be in the 'spotlight' when they are trying to steal your belongings.Locks. Gilbert says you should use deadbolt locks on your doors with strong strike plates. He recommends you take out short screws and install 2.5 inch to 3 inch wood screws. Peepholes. It's best if you can look before you unlock. If you can't see who is at your door from a window, then install a door viewer. Gilbert recommends you get one that has really wide view, such as
Door Scope. Posted via email from TexasHomesDuo's Exit Realty NW San Antonio posterous
