Crime Prevention Tips
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By -
October is nationally recognized as Crime Prevention Month. In light of this, I would like to remind those in the community that they can take steps to increase their safety. Following some of the safety tips below will help to decrease criminal opportunities.
Burglaries to motor vehicle and motor vehicle thefts are often crimes of opportunity. To reduce the incidence of burglaries involving motor vehicles, there are basic prevention tips to follow:
-Avoid leaving your keys in the car or ignition.
-Be sure to lock your vehicle, even if it's in front of your home.
-Keep the keys to your home and car separate.
-Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in enclosed parking garages.
-Don't leave valuable items in plain view inside the vehicle.
When out and about:
-Stick to well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.
-Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
-Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.
-Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy about people nearby.
-Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
Around the home:
-Keep your doors and deadbolts locked at all times - even when someone is at home.
-Do not leave notes outside to indicate that you are away from home.
-Don't advertise your new microwave, stereo or TV by leaving the empty boxes at the curb. Put discarded boxes in trash bags.
-Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
-When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
-Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
-Avoid placing valuables where they can be seen by someone looking in from outside your home.
-Be sure all your property is marked for identification purposes.
-Be wary of solicitations for donations, door-to-door salesmen, or couriers delivering gifts.
While there are no guarantees that you won't still find yourself targeted by criminals, the above tips can greatly reduce the chances.
Steve Zorn
Warsaw, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
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October is nationally recognized as Crime Prevention Month. In light of this, I would like to remind those in the community that they can take steps to increase their safety. Following some of the safety tips below will help to decrease criminal opportunities.
Burglaries to motor vehicle and motor vehicle thefts are often crimes of opportunity. To reduce the incidence of burglaries involving motor vehicles, there are basic prevention tips to follow:
-Avoid leaving your keys in the car or ignition.
-Be sure to lock your vehicle, even if it's in front of your home.
-Keep the keys to your home and car separate.
-Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in enclosed parking garages.
-Don't leave valuable items in plain view inside the vehicle.
When out and about:
-Stick to well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.
-Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like expensive jewelry or clothing.
-Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.
-Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have your card in hand and don't approach the machine if you're uneasy about people nearby.
-Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.
Around the home:
-Keep your doors and deadbolts locked at all times - even when someone is at home.
-Do not leave notes outside to indicate that you are away from home.
-Don't advertise your new microwave, stereo or TV by leaving the empty boxes at the curb. Put discarded boxes in trash bags.
-Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
-When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
-Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
-Avoid placing valuables where they can be seen by someone looking in from outside your home.
-Be sure all your property is marked for identification purposes.
-Be wary of solicitations for donations, door-to-door salesmen, or couriers delivering gifts.
While there are no guarantees that you won't still find yourself targeted by criminals, the above tips can greatly reduce the chances.
Steve Zorn
Warsaw, via e-mail[[In-content Ad]]
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