CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
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here for our Crime Analysis page
for area crime maps.
Click here for Crime
Prevention Principles...engaging the power of prevention
*ALERT- many cars and
trucks are being broken into and/or ransacked for GPS units;
cellphones; tools; loose change; etc. DO NOT leave these belongings
in your car.
CRIME
PREVENTION TIPS
*Do you have a
list of serial numbers for your electronic items?
*Don’t leave
valuables in your vehicle.
*Do have motion
activated exterior lights.
*Trim your
shrubbery that is providing hiding spots for burglars.
*Back up your computer
files in the event your computer is stolen. You’ll lose
everything!
HOME
* Most burglaries are not done by
professionals. Many are done by juveniles and many are crimes of
opportunity. DON’T give a thief the opportunity!
- Make you home as safe as possible by
engaging in good habits. Always use your window locks when
closing windows. Have good deadbolts installed and use them. If
you can afford it, get an alarm system, regardless of whether or
not you use an alarm service. A home that is well secured
reduces the chance of break-in. Many homes are entered through
open windows; basement windows; bulkheads; garage doors and
improperly locked doors.
- Most burglaries are not done by
professionals. Many are done by juveniles and many are crimes of
opportunity. DON’T give a thief the opportunity
- When you’re away, have lights on a timer.
Leave a radio on to a talk station. If possible, leave a car in
the driveway. Stop mail and paper delivery or have a neighbor
collect it for you. If you’re going away in the winter, pay
someone to shovel your walk and driveway so your home doesn’t
stand out as vacant.
- Get to know your neighbors! Have them
check on your home when away.
VALUABLES
- Do you have a record of your DVD, camera,
cell phone, stereo, tv, laptop, etc. serial numbers. Whenever
you buy an item that has a serial number, record the number in a
file. (Do not store the file solely on a computer that may be
stolen…store a copy in a drawer). Many times the police have to
return YOUR stolen belongings to a thief because they cannot
determine ownership. Serial numbers are the best ID. Engrave all
expensive tools and other items with an engraver if the serial
number is missing.
- Photograph your jewelry. Jewelry is often
unique and a picture can help identify it. It’s also important
for insurance purposes.
- Have a home safe for jewelry and other
high value items and use it. A small fireproof safe that is
bolted to a stud from the inside will deter many thieves.
- Consider a safe deposit box for high value
items that you don’t often wear or use.
- If you have lawn equipment, such as leaf
blowers, snow blowers, etc, record their serial numbers. These
items are often stolen out of poorly secured sheds.
VEHICLES
- Lock you cars, even in your driveway.
Often, thieves will go through neighborhoods and steal change,
cell phones, Ipods, cigarettes, etc., from unlocked cars. Don’t
leave these valuables in your car.
- Try and park in high traffic areas, such
as near main entrances, etc.
- Make sure you know your license plate
number. If your car was stolen, could you tell the police your
plate number? Without it, the vehicle ID number can’t be
obtained and the car cannot be entered into the nationwide
computer system.
Christmas/Hanukkah Season
Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe and
joyful holiday season!
Home
Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave
the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute.
- Don't put large displays of holiday gifts
in view of your windows or doors.
- Don’t put valuable gifts under the tree
too early.
- Record serial numbers upon purchase and
store them safely.
- When going on trips or out for evenings,
use automatic timers to turn indoor lights on and off to make it
appear you are home.
- Immediately after the holidays, mark new
gifts with your License or ID number.
- Don't advertise what you got for Christmas
by putting the boxes out on trash day. Break the boxes down or
take them to the dump yourself.
Shopping Safety
- Lock packages in the trunk. Don’t leave
them on the seats.
- Don't overload yourself with packages.
- If you must shop in the evening, shop with
a friend.
- Park in well-lighted areas, as close as
possible to store entrances. Be particularly aware of persons in
the parking lot, especially near your car.
- Lock your car and make sure the windows
are closed.
- Many shopping centers have security
cameras. Look for them and park where they appear to be pointed.
- Carry only the charge cards you will need.
Don't carry or flash large sums of cash.
- Carry your purse next to your body with
the purse flap against you. Many purses are stolen out of
shopping carriages when you are looking at items on the
shelves! Men should carry their wallets in front or inside
pockets.
- Be aware of your surroundings and the
people around you. Don't allow your attention to become
distracted from your purse or packages.
- Teach children to go to a store clerk or
security guard and ask for help if you become separated in a
store or shopping mall.
- Don't hesitate to notify store security if
you see suspicious activity.
- If you have to wait for a ride, wait in a
busy, well-lighted place.
- If you are a victim of a crime, report it
to police immediately.
IDENTITY THEFT
- All a thief needs to steal your identity
is your social security number. Safeguard your card.
- Never give out your number over the phone
unless you’ve initiated the phone call.
- Use a shredder for all mail/documents that
have credit card numbers or other personal information. Thieves
go through garbage. We make it easier by separating our paper in
a recycle bin.
- Do not leave out-going mail in your
mailbox. Use a drop box.
- Make sure your computer is protected with
up-to-date virus and spyware protection to ward off hackers.
- The Federal
Trade Commission (FTC) recommends the following
actions be taken if you think you’re identity has been stolen:
-Contact the fraud
departments of any one of the three consumer reporting companies to
place a fraud alert on your credit report.
-Close accounts you
know or believe to be compromised.
-File your complaint
with the FTC. The FTC maintains a database of ID theft cases.
-File a report with
your local police.
For more information
or to file a complaint online, visit
www.ftc.gov
A 10 minute
video is available on that site.
