Home Security

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 of $88.00 payable to "City of Pacifica") the following alarm permit application form: Alarm Permit.  You will be billed an annual fee of $46.00 at the beginning of each calendar year.