EL PASO, Texas -- Statistics from the El Paso Police Department show that burglaries are up compared to last year with the biggest increase in west El Paso.

Break-ins are up citywide by one percent and up in west El Paso by 17 percent.

Sarah Mendoza's home was broken into last year.

"They kicked the door in and he wrestled with me around the house, hit me, hit me with the door, knocked over some stuff," said Mendoza. "And the baby was asleep on the couch."

Since then, Mendoza has beefed up the security at her home.

"We added the fence, changed the doors, and now we lock the fences every night," said Mendoza.

KFOX had Darrel Petry, with the El Paso Police Department, check out just how safe Mendoza's home is with the new improvements. He said the first good sign was her new wrought iron fence with a rock wall bottom.

"It allows for security and defined areas of the yard," said Petry. "It also allows visibility."

So neighbors can see any suspicious activity near her home.

Mendoza had a lock for her fence and two dead bolt locks on each entry door. Her windows and doors are also covered with wrought iron.

"Right away, if I'm a burglar approaching this home, I see it has wrought iron, so that means an increased amount of work for me," Petry. "Second thing, I see the doors are all equipped with double dead bolts. That's another obstacle. If I'm a burglar, I'm not going to choose this home."

Mendoza's barking dog is an added bonus.

"Neighbors are more readily available to call in if something like that [the dog barking] is going on," said Petry.

Other safety features at Mendoza's home include working exterior lights, uncluttered space along the side of her home, and no shrubbery obstructing the view of her home or windows. Other than a little tree trimming, Mendoza had safeguarded her home well.

"I'm home a lot with my kids alone," said Mendoza. "So it is a little scary, but now I'm more prepared."

The El Paso Police Department has provided these tips to safeguard your home, car and yourself, especially during the upcoming holiday season.

At Home:

· Be sure to lock your doors and windows when you leave your home

· Do not display holiday gifts where they can be seen from a window or doorway

· Leave some lights on

· Leave a radio on

· Leave drapes/curtains in a normal position

· Mark your valuables with your driver's license number

· Pickup mail and newspapers

· Never give information about your home over the telephone

· Always call police to report any suspicious activity

While Shopping:

· Always keep your children close to you

· Do not shop alone

· Never take more money than you need to make your purchases

· Do not flash your money when paying for items

· Pay with a check card or credit card

· Be aware of you surroundings

· Do not leave any purchases or purses unattended

· Do not overburden yourself with packages

· Carry your purse close to your body

Your car:

· Lock your vehicle

· Use any anti-theft devices

· Do not leave any packages or valuables inside the vehicle

· Approach you vehicle with your keys out and ready

· Park in well-lit areas

· Keep your vehicle in proper working order

· If something seems wrong, get help from security or call the police