KHQ.COM - You've likely heard the saying ‘we'll leave the light
on', but the Spokane County Sheriff's Office says it's not just something you
should do if you're expecting someone.
Crime Prevention Specialist Travis Pendell says constant lighting around
your property is essential in keeping would-be thieves away. He recommends the following gadgets to help
keep your property safe.
1) Day-Night Sensors:
The $5 device screws into your outdoor lighting fixture and senses light and
dark. When the sun drops, your light
will automatically turn on.
2) Timers: These
gadgets range in price from $10 to $25.
They allow you to set the time when you want your lights to turn on and
off. They can be put indoors and
outdoors. A good idea: connecting a
timer to your window lamp while you're gone so that the light turns on
automatically when you're gone giving the illusion you're
home.
3) Yard Stake Lights:
These solar lights can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 dollars. Some of them give off very little light. However, the Sheriff's Office says lining
your yard with them will allow you to see if there is any movement along the
perimeter of your property.
4) Deputy Pendell
advises against motion sensors. He says
lights that project consistently are better than lights that only initialize
when someone is already on the property.
5) Finally, Deputy
Pendell says you can use ‘the headline test' to determine if your outdoor area
is lit well enough. He says to carry the
newspaper around your property at night.
Pendell says you should be able to read the headline at all times. If you can't, than that area of your property
is too dark.
Investing in these gadgets is just one small step you can
take to improve the safety of your home.
The idea is that it will help eliminate a crime of opportunity for
thieves who want to get near your home without being seen.
This story was filed and written by KHQ's Kalae Chock. Email her at Kalae.Chock@KHQ.Com
