TITUSVILLE, Fla. – Lighting or landscaping can be the secret weapon that keeps criminals from invading your home.

Doorbell cameras are something many people have on hand to secure their property, but many overlook important steps.

The Titusville Police Department works to prevent home invasions by educating homeowners. Crime prevention begins with a home invasion investigation by Titusville Law Enforcement experts. They know what to look for, identifying security steps that people miss.

“Preventing crime through environmental design means there are some ways, there are parts of your environment that can provide an opportunity for someone to be victimized, but there are also ways to provide an opportunity not to be victimized,” said Amy Matthews, public relations officer. Titusville Police Department coordinator.

FOX 35’s Esther Bower took a tour of a homeowner who was in pretty good shape. Benny had several cameras scattered throughout his property, a strong fence with no missing posts, and lighting in several places.

From dusk until dawn, officers recommend motion sensor lighting to alert you if someone is on your property. Sudden light can also scare criminals away.

“Knowing your home is safe makes you feel safer,” said homeowner Benny.

Homeowners may not know that plants also play a role in conservation.

“We have two important keys, the two-foot rule and the six-foot rule,” the law enforcement officer told Benny.

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Benny learned that tree canopies should always be cut six feet above the ground so you can clearly see who is in the yard. Bushes should also not grow taller than two meters because an adult can hide behind them.

When it comes to your front door, officers encourage you to have a peephole. Don’t cover the hole with a wreath or decoration because you want to see who’s knocking before letting them in.

“Once you unlock it, once you unlock it, now there’s a way to get in,” the officer said.

Strong screws on your doors are also important.

“We encourage 3-inch screws from the frame into the wall of the house,” the expert added.

This makes it difficult for someone to break in.

“This is a preventive measure,” Matthews said.

Police say prevention plays a big role in keeping people safe. Seemingly simple solutions can go a long way, so criminals won’t see your home as an easy target.

“I appreciate it very much,” Benny said. “This gives me a second set of eyes to look into my home for any security issues.”

If you are a Titusville resident, TPD offers these free home invasion surveys to anyone in the community, and those who live outside the area can also use these tips to protect their property.

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