The police logs this year have been peppered with reports of home break-ins, where thieves have stolen electronics, cash, and precious jewelry. In some cases, thieves have entered through unlocked doors, inviting what police call “crimes of opportunity.” In a quiet town like Harvard, it’s difficult to believe that it can happen here, but the cases under investigation by police are a testament to the fact that, indeed, it can.

There are several things residents can do to protect their homes—first and foremost, locking the doors. Most home burglars are looking for an easy target, like an unsecured patio door. Locking doors and windows when you’re away makes it more time-consuming for a potential burglar to break into your home and raises the possibility that the burglar could be discovered by neighbors. Remember that no matter how soon you expect to return home, it takes only a few minutes for someone to rob you of your possessions. According to a community resource guide that is available from the Harvard police, 28 percent of reported burglaries are accomplished by entry without force.

Besides locking doors and windows, residents can make their homes unattractive to thieves by creating an illusion that they are home even when they are not. Things you can do include:

• Use automatic timers on lights, radio, and TVs, and turn up the volume on the radios and TVs.
• Make arrangements to keep grass mowed or snow removed.
• Keep garbage cans emptied and neat.
• Don’t pull shades down all the way or close the blinds.
• Ask the post office to hold your mail if you’re going to be away.

There are also steps you can take to slow down would-be thieves:

• Install additional window locks, especially on windows near the ground.
• When you move into a new house or apartment, change all locks immediately.
• Install good quality deadbolt locks on all exterior doors and attached garage doors.
• Install automatic openers on garage doors.
• Remove or cut back large bushes and shrubs around the house.
• Do not hide extra keys around your house, such as under doormats or flowerpots.

One of the best things you can do is to make foiling burglars a community effort. Start or join a neighborhood watch program. (The police can help with this.) Let the police know when you’re going to be on vacation or away for an extended period of time, so they can keep an eye on your house. Also, let neighbors know when you’ll be away, so they’ll know to watch for unfamiliar people or vehicles.