The five boroughs of New York City periodically experience a wave of crime sprees, and the Queens neighborhood of Forest Hills is the most recent area that was targeted.

NBC New York reported that during the months of February, March, and April 2013, 14 homes were burglarized in Forest Hills. In a year-over-year comparison, the number of serious crimes jumped by 93 percent. Although police have stepped up patrols in the area, it remains to be seen if this will be enough, and officials are asking residents to take the appropriate countermeasures to safeguard their homes.

This includes making sure all doors and windows are locked, even if it is the middle of the afternoon. A proper locking system that includes drop-down bars, remote surveillance cameras, and other specialized equipment can reduce the chance of burglary, especially if devices are paired with automatic lights that turn on when it is dark outside. Even if you do not live in Queens, it would be prudent to invest in such reliable technology.

Crime is on the rise in Queens, but with the right attitude and locking systems, residents should have nothing to fear.