CERT Hosts Deputy Kaczmarek Session On Keeping Property Safe

Del Webb Lakewood Ranch’s CERT team was happy to host Deputy Tom Kaczmarek from the Manatee County Sheriff’s office on Thursday, August 15. Kaczmarek’s presentation “How Secure is Secure” offered Del Webb residents tips on keeping their property safe.

Deputy Kaczmarek provided many suggestions for Del Webb residents, from adding electronic surveillance to our homes, sharing knowledge within the community and the sheriff’s office, plus practical and inexpensive ways to deter criminals.

Kaczmarek stated that the biggest category of crimes in the greater Lakewood Ranch community is property crimes from unlocked cars, including weapons stolen from the homeowner’s vehicles. Kaczmarek noted that our Del Webb community has not experienced any crime involving unlocked cars.

“Gated communities,” Kaczmarek informed, “give homeowners a false sense of security and statistically there is no evidence that gated communities have less crime than non-gated communities.”

Howard Malis, President of Del Webb CERT, said, “This is one more event that the CERT team was proud to sponsor for the community as part of our community safety support for Del Webb residents.”

Here are some home security tips from Deputy Kaczmarek for three areas of your home:

EXTERIOR DOORS

• Replace the standard strike plate screws with 2 1/2 – 3 inch screws.
• Inspect hinges. If it’s exposed, consider security hinge screws.
• Inspect doors for damage. Replace them with steel or impact-rated doors.

WINDOWS

• Inspect rails and locks. Add a slide lock.
• Inspect glass for cracks.
• If you decide to replace, consider impact-rated windows or a film to go on top.

SLIDING GLASS DOORS

• Install a “J” style hook with a 3/4 inch shackle for use where mounting space is limited.
• Utilize a security bar in the door track. It’s cost-effective, but can be defeated.