Poor Economy Leads To Higher Crime, How The Self Defense Company is Helping People to Fight Back

SOUTH BEND -- To most people, overgrown bushes, open screen windows and switched-off yard lights don't mean much.
But to a burglar, police and security experts say, they could be an open invitation to your house.

Police across St. Joseph County have noticed a marked increase in residential burglaries this year, due in part to a sagging economy.
"I think what you're seeing is some people looking for a crime of opportunity," said Sgt. Lee Ross, of the South Bend Police Department's crime prevention unit. "So people are looking for easy targets."
Easy targets for burglars include wallets, jewelry and keys left in front of open windows -- all common targets over the summer in a string of burglaries in the Granger area.
"People just come home and throw stuff on the kitchen counter where it's visible from outside," said Sgt. Bill Redman, St. Joseph County police spokesman. "You can do simple things like draw the blinds or shades.
"I know a lot of people like to keep their windows open this time of year, but you should keep them shut and locked unless you have locks for screens or a way to keep someone from removing it."
Ross said simple steps on the outside of the home can also prevent burglaries, such as installing motion detection lights or photo-sensitive lights that turn on at dusk.
"You can also start by trimming back hedges and bushes away from windows," Ross said. "When you trim them back, you've got nowhere for people to hide if they're trying to break into a window."
One of the more obvious points mentioned by Ross and Redman is for people to lock their doors -- both main doors and doors into garages or outbuildings.
"And remember to lock the door between the garage and the house," Redman said. "A lot of people leave that one unlocked, but if someone gets into the garage, it will keep them out of the house."
Police also said an important part of helping to fight crime in their neighborhoods is to simply pay attention.
"If you see something suspicious, report it to police," Redman said. "Don't wait until the crime's already taken place."
Along with crimes of opportunities, police also have seen an increase in break-ins while people are home.
Dan Neddo, a self-defense instructor and security expert who spent 20 years in the Air Force, said families need to have a plan in place if someone breaks-in.
"Everybody needs to be prepared," Neddo said. "Even if it's unlikely to happen, it's no different than being prepared for a fire in your home."
Neddo suggests that parents implement a "big noise" drill, where family members are taught to go to a central room if they hear an unfamiliar noise or anything that makes them uneasy.
As part of the emergency plan, Neddo said, a charged phone should be kept in the room to call police. An exit strategy out of the house, and a place to meet up outside also is recommended.
"A lot of it is pretty easy, it just takes a little bit of homework on the homeowners part to plan for an emergency," Neddo said. "I think it's important to let people know they don't have to be a victim."

Staff writer Dave Stephens: dstephens@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6209

Home safety tips

Here are some home safety tips offered by police to help reduce the likelihood of burglary:
* Keep outdoor lights on at night, or install motion-sensor lights. Some motion-light detectors simply screw into an existing light socket.
* Lock all doors and windows, even when you are home. Use a bar or piece of wood to keep sliding glass doors and windows from being forced open.
* Keep things out of sight. Burglars looking for easy targets will often window shop from the street, eyeing items visible from the road.
* Replace traditional dead-bolt locks with key-lock dead-bolts, which require a key to be used on either side of the door. Traditional dead-bolts can be opened by breaking a window. Reinforce all catch-plates on doors, with longer screws making the door harder to knock in.
* Have a plan. Prepare and practice with family members about what to do in an emergency.
* Get an assessment. The South Bend Police Department crime prevention unit will assess a home's burglary issues for any resident in the city for free. To learn more, call (574) 235-9037.
*Get some training contact Dan Neddo of The Self Defense Company call (574) 302-7384 or visit him on line at www.martialartsindiana.com

"I think what you're seeing is some people looking for a crime of opportunity," said Sgt. Lee Ross, of the South Bend Police Department's crime prevention unit. "So people are looking for easy targets."
"You can also start by trimming back hedges and bushes away from windows," Ross said. "When you trim them back, you've got nowhere for people to hide if they're trying to break into a window."
"A lot of it is pretty easy, it just takes a little bit of homework on the homeowners part to plan for an emergency," [Dan Neddo] said. "I think it's important to let people know they don't have to be a victim."

Dan Neddo of The Self Defense Company call (574) 302-7384 or visit him on line at