Ian Goldman Summer Safety Tips 1

when we think of the summer we think of the fresh crisp Mountain Air you think of sports swimming hiking and color War the summer is a fun time for everyone but you know who else it's a fun time for burglars listen it's no secret that many of us travel Upstate during the summer months and it is no secret that many of us leave our homes unattended unfortunately there are many of us who will come home to find a door slightly ajar a window that's been busted off its hinges or broken glass everywhere they will observe their house to be ransacked drawers open jewelry Electronics heirlooms all missing I've spoken to hundreds of victims during the course of my career and trust me when I say that the emotional loss can be far more taxing and far outweigh the financial as homeowners we never feel that we will fall prey we never feel that we will be the next victim with the poor economy coupled with the heroin epidemic smart homeowners should be prepared well before disaster strikes allow me the opportunity to introduce myself my name is Ian Goldman and I was an assistant Ocean County prosecutor for nearly seven years now the purpose of this message is not to provide legal advice but to provide five quick easy steps to ensure that you are protected from a residential burglary so let's get started number one ask a neighbor that you trust to keep an eye on your property while you're away do not be ashamed this is a team effort if you will be away for a few days ask them to pick up the newspapers so that they're not piling up on your driveway or to pick up the mail so that it's not getting filled up in your mailbox number two make sure your doors and windows are secure now this may sound logical but how many of us leave the house forgetting whether they left the stove on or whether you left the iron on and yes I do iron and yes I do cook but the same applies for securing your house it is also recommended to install keyed window locks and deadbolts as well as to use toughened glass number three if you have an extra car leave it parked in the driveway if you can carpool Upstate carpool most burglaries happen during the day when you're at work you're an easy target if you don't have a car parked in the driveway it's probably the first thing that burglars look out for obviously they will assume that nobody is home if there isn't a car parked If You observe suspicious people in the neighborhood or people you don't recall sitting in a a parts car for extended periods of time make sure you are noticed burglars often case neighborhoods before striking number four take a video of the complete interior of your residence with the video phone smartphone iPhone whatever make sure to video all of your expensive property this not only makes for good evidence for law enforcement before your insurance company as well property that is taken is usually and often pawns relatively quickly and law enforcement can match up the property the description of your property from your iPhone to the property that's sold at the pawn shops therefore catching the suspect in a timely manner and preventing future burglaries keep your valuables out of plain view as well hide them secure any weapons that you have and make sure that your drapes and your curtains and your blinds are closed before leaving and lastly and most importantly if you happen to arrive home when a burglary is in progress do not I repeat do not confront the burglar most injuries occur when burglars feel threatened remove yourself from the situation and call 9-1-1 also do not touch anything within the house do not contaminate any potential evidence there could be DNA blood fingerprints and other forensics that are left at the scene so do not touch anything my name is Ian Goldman and I want to thank you for your time have a good day