Opportunity to commit crime is one of the main contributing factors in why criminal events occur. Some examples of what can be done to help prevent crimes against you or your property from happening include:
- Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
- Use adequate exterior lighting. The use of motion activated lights are encouraged. Ensure entrances are well lit. Landscape lighting may also deter criminal activity while adding beauty to your home.
- Trim trees and shrubs near your home. Excessive landscape, trees, and shrubs near the home may provide hiding places for burglars and "peeping toms".
- Make the home appear as if someone is there when you are away. Keep the radio, television, or lights on. Use timers on your lights when away at night or on vacation.
- Remove snow from driveways, paths, and porches. If you are away, arrange for snow removal (neighbor, contract) from your driveway, walkway, etc, after each snowstorm.
- Lock all vehicles kept outside the home. Don't leave garage remotes in vehicles parked outside your home.
- Don't leave your car running unattended, even for just a moment, as it makes it easy for a criminal to hop in and drive off.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, unless in the trunk or hidden from view, especially when shopping for holiday gifts
- Install a peephole on the front door and use it. Don't open the door to anyone you do not know.
- If the unknown person at your front door is claiming an emergency or dire circumstance, don't open the door. Tell them you will call "911" while they wait outside.
- Get to know your neighbors. Be aware of your surroundings.
- When on vacation, cancel any newspaper subscriptions. Have mail forwarded to the vacation address or held at the post office. Try to have family, friends, or neighbors watch the property.
- If you arrive at home and see your front door or windows open, or see other signs of forced entry into your home, don't go in! The intruder may be waiting for you inside. Immediately find the nearest phone and call the police (911).
- Ensure all windows and doors are locked.
- Use adequate exterior lighting. The use of motion activated lights are encouraged. Ensure entrances are well lit. Landscape lighting may also deter criminal activity while adding beauty to your home.
- Trim trees and shrubs near your home. Excessive landscape, trees, and shrubs near the home may provide hiding places for burglars and "peeping toms".
- Make the home appear as if someone is there when you are away. Keep the radio, television, or lights on. Use timers on your lights when away at night or on vacation.
- Remove snow from driveways, paths, and porches. If you are away, arrange for snow removal (neighbor, contract) from your driveway, walkway, etc, after each snowstorm.
- Lock all vehicles kept outside the home. Don't leave garage remotes in vehicles parked outside your home.
- Don't leave your car running unattended, even for just a moment, as it makes it easy for a criminal to hop in and drive off.
- Do not leave valuables in your car, unless in the trunk or hidden from view, especially when shopping for holiday gifts
- Install a peephole on the front door and use it. Don't open the door to anyone you do not know.
- If the unknown person at your front door is claiming an emergency or dire circumstance, don't open the door. Tell them you will call "911" while they wait outside.
- Get to know your neighbors. Be aware of your surroundings.
- When on vacation, cancel any newspaper subscriptions. Have mail forwarded to the vacation address or held at the post office. Try to have family, friends, or neighbors watch the property.
- If you arrive at home and see your front door or windows open, or see other signs of forced entry into your home, don't go in! The intruder may be waiting for you inside. Immediately find the nearest phone and call the police (911).
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