While Pacifica is a relatively quiet community, homes do get burglarized. Residents can take simple steps to make their home uninviting to a would-be thief. Below are some suggestions to make your home and property more secure:

• Always lock your doors and windows, even when leaving for "just a minute."
• Never leave a house key available (under a doormat, in a flower pot or on the ledge of the door) - these are the first places a burglar will look.
• Exterior doors should have "dead bolt" locks with a 1-inch, strong metal bar extending into the door frame.
• Sliding doors and windows should all have "ventilation" locks as well as auxiliary locks to bolster security.
• Include good locks for garage, cellar, patio or other doors that lead out through storage areas or a spare room.
• Install a wide angle lens viewer "peephole" in the front door - never open the door without knowing who is there.
• When on vacation, use timers so that lights/radio/TV go on and off throughout the house to indicate someone is home.
• When on vacation, stop mail/newspaper delivery or have a neighbor pick them up - make your house look lived in.
• Don't tip off a would-be burglar by leaving information on an answering machine about being gone for a specified period of time.
• Don't reward burglars who have managed to enter your home by leaving cash and valuables in plain sight or obvious locations.
• Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks changed.
• Consider installing an alarm system.
• Work with neighbors to watch out for each other and report anything suspicious to the police department.

If you come home to find a broken window or jimmied door, don't go in - confronting a burglar is dangerous. Contact the police department immediately.

Apply the same common sense approach to vehicle security:

• Always roll your windows up and lock your car when unattended.
• Do not leave valuables on the seats or in plain sight - take them with you or lock them in the glove compartment or trunk.
• Do not hide your keys on the outside of the vehicle - you never know who's watching.
  Park in well-lit, high-traffic areas.
• Minimize the amount of personal information you keep inside your car to just vehicle registration and insurance information.

The Pacifica Police Department can provide a free home security evaluation to better help you protect your property. Call the main business line to make an appointment with the crime prevention officer. If you install a home or business security alarm system, you are required to apply for an alarm permit through the Pacifica Police Department. Download, fill-out and submit (along with fee payable to "City of Pacifica") this Alarm Permit Application form. You will be billed an annually at the beginning of each calendar year.

 To pay your alarm bill click here 

http://famspermit.com/Pacifica/Pay