Crime Prevention

In Your Home

Good locks, simple precautions, neighborhood awareness, and common sense will help prevent most property crimes.
Lock all doors and windows using deadbolt locks whenever possible.
If you lose the keys to your home or move into a new home, change the locks immediately.
Secure sliding glass doors with locks and use a rigid wooden dowel wedged in the track.
Don’t open the door to anyone you don’t know. Insist service personnel verify their identity before allowing them in.
Lock your vehicles at all times, even when they are in your garage.
Never leave your garage door, windows, or entry doors open if you are not home.

Try to make your home appear occupied. Use timers for lights both inside and outside. Stop your mail and the paper from coming to your home if you are gone for more than a day or two. For short trips of a day or two have a neighbor pick up your mail and paper. Use timers for a radio or television to give the impression that you are home.
Double check that every door and window is locked securely before leaving.
Arrange with a neighbor to keep an eye on your home, and have a neighbor or friend move your vehicle periodically if it is parked outside.
Depending on the season, make sure your driveway is clear of snow, or your yard is kept trimmed and clean.
Never advertise your plans on social media like Facebook or Twitter where the public can see it.

Whenever you leave your vehicle, always lock your doors, even if you only plan on being gone for a short period of time.
Put all valuable out of sight or in the trunk.
Never pick up hitchhikers.
When parking or returning to your vehicle, have your keys in your hand and be aware of your surroundings.
If you have key-less entry, only unlock the doors if you can see your vehicle, and check the front and rear seats before entering.
Don’t leave personal identifying information on your key-ring.
Leave only your ignition key with mechanics or parking attendants.