We often discuss topics in this column on how to protect your home from things like mold, mildew, storms, fires, floods and more. But until now we have never talked about protecting your home from intruders.

However, after last week’s column about our area’s Neighborhood Block Watch groups facilitated by the Grays Harbor County Sheriff’s Office, we thought we might follow up with some specific tips.

FEWER COPS AND MORE CALLS

It has always been important to keep an eye out for your neighbors and their homes. But around here that is especially true the last few years.

In 1997 the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office employed 87 people. But by 2015, the Sheriff’s office was budgeted for only 78 positions. (And, unfortunately, it is currently down three patrol deputies, two corrections deputies and two support specialists from that!)

Meanwhile, “during that time we have seen a steady increase in calls for service,” said Steve Shumate, Chief Criminal Deputy of the Sheriff’s Office and the coordinator for the Neighborhood Block Watch Program.

“For example, there was a 25 percent increase in call volume for the first 6 months of 2015 versus the first 6 months of 2014,” Shumate said.

“Obviously with a reduction in workforce but a significant increase in calls, our need for assistance from the community we serve is even more important,” he said.

It’s not just our Sheriff’s Office that has felt the crunch, several of our municipal police departments also have lower staffing levels than they did a few years ago.

So whether you are part of an organized watch group or just being neighborly, paying attention to what is happening in your neighborhood makes a difference!

WHEN SHOULD I CALL 911?

When a house is on fire, cars collide or an angry person begins brandishing a weapon, most folks know to call 911. But what about other times? When is it okay to let law enforcement know if something seems out of the ordinary?

“There is an ongoing message to citizens to call 911 anytime they see a crime or an emergency. Most people know to report on those types of calls. But it is an ongoing concern that people don’t report on non-emergency types of calls, or there is a delay in reporting.” Shumate said “The employees of the Sheriff’s Office as well as the 911 center all work for the citizens of this county. Our citizens should not be afraid to call in.”

If you don’t think it is something that is an emergency, simply call the non-emergency number – (360) 533-8765, which still goes to the E911 center, but lets the dispatchers know what priority to put on the call. But do soon after seeing something troubling or suspicious. It’s often calls like that which help officers find someone they’re looking for.

Examples might be out-of-the-area cars parked suspiciously, unfamiliar cars at your neighbor’s house when they are gone, people going door-to-door without an obvious legitimate reason.

PROTECTING HOME FROM INTRUDERS

Not only do you want to keep an eye on your neighbor’s home, you also want to do your best to protect your own home from intruders.

“The reality for those who commit crimes is that they do not want to be caught,” said Shumate.

“So, criminals tend to take the path of least resistance. If criminals know that their chances of getting caught are substantially higher in a particular area or a particular house they will move to areas where they are less likely to be caught.”

In other words, do what you can to make your house unappealing to a burglar. Here are some specific tips:

• A home that looks “lived-in” is a deterrent to burglars. Never leave notes that can inform a burglar that your house is unoccupied.

• Consider owning a dog or buying an electronic alarm system.

• Secure all windows and doors before you leave your house.

• Shut your garage door when you leave. An empty garage advertises your absence.

• Trim bushes and trees near your doors and windows so an intruder can’t easily hide there.

• Do not leave door keys under flower pots, doormats, above door frames, in an unlocked mailbox or other obvious places.

• When going out at night, leave one or more interior lights on and perhaps the radio. (TV sets should not be left unattended.)

• Consider getting (and using) a timer so that lights can be turned on and off during your absence.

• All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.

• When leaving on a trip: Stop all deliveries, connect a light or two to timers, notify the police and have a neighbor check your home periodically and have someone maintain your lawn.

• When home, don’t open the door unless you know who is there.

• Invest in and use a wide-angle viewer (peep hole) so you can see who is at your door.

• The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock.

• Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.

• Be careful to not broadcast your plans. Some burglars specialize in reading newspaper account or Facebook pages of people’s vacations.

• If you come home and find that someone has broken into your house, do not enter!! The criminal may still be inside. Call the police with a cell phone or at a neighbor’s house immediately.

• Do not touch anything or clean up if a crime has occurred. Preserve the scene until police inspect for evidence.

Dave Murnen and Pat Beaty are construction specialists at NeighborWorks® of Grays Harbor County, where Murnen is the executive director. This is a non-profit organization committed to creating safe and affordable housing for all residents of Grays Harbor County.w

Do you have questions about home repair, renting, remodeling or becoming a homeowner? Like us on Facebook! Call us at 533-7828, write us or visit us at 710 E. Market St. in Aberdeen.