The federal government called for the closure of a large homeless camp near the San Jose International Airport. The FAA has said that this Palo Alto homeless camp is dangerous to both the people who live there and to the aircraft in the area. Sadly, this leaves hundreds without a place to go.
Palo Alto Homeless Facing Eviction
In recent years, the city has not addressed the growing need for low-income housing. This, coupled with the recent global pandemic, has resulted in the opening of numerous tent cities and shantytowns throughout California. The encampment near the San Jose International Airport is the largest in the Bay Area.
The encampment exploded in size during the COVID-19 pandemic when communities stopped relocating camps to prevent the virus from spreading. Now, officials aren’t sure what will happen to the hundreds of people who call this Palo Alto homeless encampment their home. Housing and shelter beds in the community are already in short supply.
While the city works on a plan to dismantle the encampment in phases, residents of Palo Alto are nervous about protecting their properties and their property values. The recent pandemic was a stark reminder to many to prepare for the unexpected. For many, this means protecting themselves from the increasing crime rate in the city. In the last several months, home burglaries in the San Jose and Los Gatos areas have left residents on edge.
Protecting Your Home Means Planning For the Unexpected
No one ever believes that they will be a victim of a robbery or home burglary. However, property crimes are increasing throughout San Jose, Palo Alto, and Redwood City. To protect yourself, your property, and your loved ones, take the following steps:
- Consider an electronic security system. Currently, 25 percent of today’s homes have electronic security systems that help protect them from theft.
- Pick Up Valuables. Do not leave valuable items in plain sight. This includes bicycles on the front lawn or expensive electronics in a window.
- Create Illusions. Burglars won’t attempt a break-in if they think someone is home. You can create the illusion that people are home by leaving a light on, turning on a television, or leaving music playing.
- Secure Sliding Doors. Sliding doors are easy to break into. Consider securing them with a strong dowel, steel bar, or two-by-four. This way, even lock-picking burglars won’t be able to get in.
- Don’t Leave a Spare Key. Burglars know where to look for spare keys. Instead, put a spare key into a combination lockbox and hide that somewhere. Or consider just giving your key to a neighbor.
- Secure Your Yard. Burglars like dark yards, especially ones with tall shrubs and overgrown trees they can hide in. Proactively trim bushes, trees, and shrubs in front of windows and entrances. Also put up lighting in your yard, as well as outdoor security systems to alert you when someone comes onto your property.
Safeguarding your home is essential to prepare yourself for whatever the future holds. It is always a good idea to invest in a home security system. At Lockworks Unlimited, Inc., we understand that you have questions about home security in Redwood City. That’s why we want to meet with you to help you explore your options. Call us at (650) 299-9126 for a free consultation and learn more about installing or upgrading your home security system today. Our Redwood City locksmiths are here to help you!