Share Tips on How to Deter Burglars From Entering Your Home

Neighborhoods are on high alert in the . only added fuel to the fire. Residents are now investing in home alarms and other measures to deter burglars from striking their homes.

left the following comment on our article covering the :

"The good people of our communities need to band together for the greater good of our communities and overrun the scurge."

Anyone down with this movement? If so, let's get the ball rolling here and discuss other ways to deter burglars from entering your home and keeping crime away from your neighborhood.

Here's what some residents and Patch readers are doing to combat the recent break-ins:

• locking gates with padlocks
• keeping valuables out of sight (in vehicles)
• cutting PVC pipes to fit all windows and sliding glass doors for an exact fit
• upgrading locks and placing dead bolts in windows and doors
• installing motion light detectors
• mounting cameras at entrances
• purchasing home alarms
• getting watch dogs

Some neighborhoods are also checking for solicitor permits. Residents say it's mandatory for anyone soliciting door-to-door to be registered with the city.

Folks also are jotting down and/or photographing license plates of any suspicious vehicles in the area.

In addition, residents are starting active neighborhood watch groups.

If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood you can contact Nicole Aguon with the at 925-371-4978.

If you would like to join the Springtown/Vasco/Scenic area Neighborhood Watch, contact at katlaing@comcast.net.

One last tip. Report any suspicious activity and any unusual persons, cars and behavior in your neighborhood to police by calling the non-emergency line at 925-371-4900.

What measures are you taking to help prevent burglars from breaking into your home? Have any suggestions on how Livermore Patch can help? Tell us in the comments section below.