BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Concerns about crime in a Brevard County neighborhood have residents looking to upgrade home security.
The sheriff's office is offering free assessments to help homeowners identify potential security problems and recommend solutions.
More than 1,000 residents have signed up since the program started last year.
A crime prevention specialist goes into a resident’s home and points out problems that could facilitate criminals entering a house.
"I've already taken certain steps to strengthen the front door," said resident Steve Zentner.
With equipment for his home maintenance business out front, Zentner had concerns after hearing from neighbors about recent vehicle break-ins.
"They talk about 3-inch screws through your striker plates in the front door. They talk about windows and sliders that are weak," Zentner said.
A neighbor captured home security video of what appears to be teens rifling through a car.
"There's been kids walking by trying to get into vehicles," said Zentner.
That's one reason Zentner is taking advantage of a free home security assessment offered by the Brevard County Sheriff's Office.
"We talk to our citizens all the time about being a hard target, not a soft target," said Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. "At the end of the day, we give you the list that says ‘These are the things you can do to improve security.’"
Ivey said he's always been a proponent of citizens arming themselves.
Along with the list for a home, Ivey said the specialists also make residents aware of personal protection classes.
"It goes the whole gamut of safety for both you, your home and your family," said Ivey.
Several law enforcement agencies in Central Florida area have similar programs.