Parking Lot Safety Tips

In addition to the difficulty of find a place to park your vehicle, you should be aware of your surroundings. Are you pulling into a reserve space? Are you parked next to large vehicles? Are you in a well-lit area if it is nighttime? It is important to be aware of all of these situations.

• Park as close to your destination as possible and if you are worried about the area stay in lit places and make your shopping trips during the day if possible.
• Back into a parking space if possible, so that you can exit quickly if needed
• Don't leave your valuables (GPS, cell phones, laptops, purses and packages) in plain sight. Lock valuables in the glove compartment or secure them in the trunk.
• If you lower your windows for ventilation do so in a manner that minimizes access to your vehicle.
• Always lock your car.
• Don't leave your keys in the ignition, even if you're just running in and out the store quickly.
• Always be aware of your surroundings and don't be distracted by talking on your cellphone or texting while walking. Being distracted can make you a target.
• Are there suspicious looking people hanging around? Is someone following you? Notify security and/ or police of anything that seems out of the ordinary.
• Travel in groups or while other pedestrians are around if possible.
• When returning to your car have your keys ready and remember where you parked.
• When you get to your car, take time to look around, look inside your car and behind you. Avoid tunnel vision and be aware of your surroundings.
• Once you are in the car, lock your doors and leave! Do not sit in the car doing other things.
• Keep your cellphone in your pocket or somewhere easily accessible in case you need to call police.
• Trust your instincts, if something doesn't feel right it probably isn't.

 

Residential Crime Prevention Tips

Criminals look for easy targets, don't let your home be a target. Below are some tips you can use to help protect yourself and your home.

Doors/Windows

• Install sturdy doors, door frames and hardware
• Use deadbolt locks
• Install a peephole in your door
• Secure sliding doors by placing a broomstick or steel rod in the track
• Always keep your doors locked, even when your home
• Install impact resistant windows and sliding glass doors

Exterior Lighting/Landscape

• Use lighting to make your home unattractive to burglars, vandals and other criminals
• Position outdoor lights carefully, aim them at entryways, ground level windows, garage and shed doors
• Consider motion sensor floodlights and photoelectric lights that automatically turn on at dusk and off at dawn
• Keep plants trimmed-overgrown bushes can cover windows and doorways, giving burglars a hiding place
• Plant thorny bushes under windows-they help keep intruders away
• Don't leave ladders, machinery or tools lying around where they can be used to gain entry into your home

Camera/Alarm System

• Consider an alarm system, it can offer extra protection especially for people who live alone or are away often
• Consider a camera system it may help deter people from entering your property if they know they may be caught on camera

*Please remember however that both camera and alarm systems are meant to be used in conjunction with other security measures

When Your Home

• Don't automatically open your door when someone knocks, use your peephole to see who is knocking
• Ask service people for identification or call their office to double check before allowing them into your home
• If someone comes to your door asking for help tell them you will call police to help them and then call police, do not let them into your home

When You're Away From Home

• When your away leave a TV or radio on to make people think someone is home
• Have the post office hold your mail so it won't be pilling up in your mailbox
• Have a friend or neighbor pick up your daily newspaper
• Put your lights on a timer

BE ALERT

DON'T HESITATE TO CALL POLICE IF SOMETHING OR SOMEONE SEEMS OUT OF PLACE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD