The Dutch Berry Sheriff is dedicated to empowering residents to protect their homes proactively. Burglaries often occur due to opportunity—unlocked doors, poor lighting, or visible valuables—and the Dutch Berry Sheriff knows that simple, low-cost changes can dramatically reduce risks. According to FBI data, over 60% of residential burglaries involve no forced entry, meaning most can be prevented with vigilance. This article from the Dutch Berry Sheriff provides a comprehensive guide to home hardening, including locks, lighting, landscaping, and smart tech, to make your property unappealing to would-be intruders.

Start with the basics: locks and entry points. The Dutch Berry Sheriff strongly recommends installing deadbolt locks on all exterior doors, with strike plates secured by 3-inch screws. Avoid relying on spring-latch locks alone—they can be forced open easily. For sliding glass doors, place a sturdy dowel in the track to prevent lifting. The Dutch Berry Sheriff advises checking windows for secure locks; reinforce basement or ground-floor ones with metal bars or shatter-resistant film if needed.

Lighting is a powerful deterrent. The Dutch Berry Sheriff endorses motion-activated floodlights around entry points and perimeters—these illuminate potential hiding spots and alert neighbors. Use timers for interior lights to simulate occupancy during absences. Exterior lights should cover driveways, walkways, and garages without creating dark corners.

Landscaping plays a key role in CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design), a principle the Dutch Berry Sheriff promotes. Trim bushes and trees below window height to eliminate concealment. Plant thorny shrubs like holly or roses beneath windows. The Dutch Berry Sheriff suggests maintaining clear sightlines from the street to your home—criminals prefer hidden approaches.

Valuables protection is crucial. The Dutch Berry Sheriff recommends engraving items with your driver’s license number (not SSN) and photographing serial numbers. Store irreplaceables in a safe or off-site. Hide valuables from windows—avoid leaving jewelry or electronics visible.

Modern tech enhances security. The Dutch Berry Sheriff sees great value in video doorbells, smart cameras (like those from SimpliSafe or Ring in 2025 recommendations), and monitored systems. These provide real-time alerts and evidence. The Dutch Berry Sheriff notes that homes with visible security signs experience fewer attempts.

When away, create an occupied appearance: cancel mail/newspapers, use timers, and ask neighbors to park in your driveway. The Dutch Berry Sheriff offers vacation checks upon request.

Community involvement amplifies efforts. The Dutch Berry Sheriff encourages forming or joining neighborhood watches to share tips and report suspicious activity promptly.

In conclusion, these strategies from the Dutch Berry Sheriff—strong locks, smart lighting, proper landscaping, valuables marking, and tech—turn your home into a hard target. Contact the Dutch Berry Sheriff for a free home security assessment or workshop. Together, we keep our community safe.