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Crime Prevention 

Crime Prevention is everybody’s job! There are many ways that crime around neighborhoods and businesses can be prevented; however, it takes the proper methods of crime prevention to ensure that the likelihood of crime is substantially lowered.

Crime prevention is the anticipation, recognition, and the initiation of action to remove or reduce crime. Prevention may take place at any given time and any given location, due to the fact that crime is not centralized in one area. Public awareness is one of the most important strategies out there for reducing crime. The more aware the people are around you, the more “eyes” you have looking out for your well being. A neighborhood watch program can be developed, or a business watch program can be implemented by neighboring businesses.

The fact of the matter is that crime prevention works. It is cheaper, it is safer, and better for the communities to prevent crime than to have to treat their victims, deal with the perpetrators, and lose productivity.

In an effort to reduce crime, please read the following crime prevention tips.

HOME SAFETY

Inside your home

  • Keep windows and doors locked at all times.
  • Keep doors locked, particularly if you are working in the yard…quick thefts of purses or small items can be carried out by burglars who enter an opposite door when you are seen outside.
  • At night, use exterior lights as well as inside lights – even when you’re not home.
  • Secure sliding glass doors with a piece of wood in the track or with a nail inserted through a hole drilled in the door frame projecting into the fixed surface.
  • Lock windows by sliding a bolt or nail through a hole drilled at a downward angle in each top corner of the inside sash and partway through the outside.
  • For horizontally sliding windows, use the same technique. Crank handles on casement windows should be removed.
  • Keep your shades closed at night so people cannot observe you.  Do not leave easily-moved valuables close to windows or doors.
  • Do not keep valuables in obvious places – dresser drawers, under the mattress, etc.  Use your imagination to find unique hiding places – 90% of us keep items of value in the bedroom; and burglars know that!
  • Do not leave extra keys in the mailbox or under a door mat.

 

Outside your home

  • Stairwell and sidewalk lighting is essential for security. Report or replace any broken lighting immediately.
  • Make sure all porches, entrances and yards are well lit.
  • Trim shrubbery that hides or obstructs doors and windows.
  • Do not leave notes indicating your whereabouts or plans.
  • Maintain your house. A well-taken-care-of home sends the message that you care about your belongings and have taken steps to protect your home.
  • If possible, use security cameras that allow you to review suspicious activity.
  • Do not have packages delivered to your home when you are not available to receive them. Use a work address, P.O. Box, or pick up packages at the delivery center.

 

More home safety

  • If you live alone, do not let strangers know. Invent a roommate or big dog.
  • Know which of your neighbors you can trust in an emergency.
  • Check who is at the door before opening it and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor. Make sure they know that you are home so they do not attempt to break in.
  • Ask for photo identification of all repair persons. If you are still suspicious, call to verify employment.
  • Never give personal information to telephone solicitors.
  • Consider creating a “safe room” with a separate telephone line or cellular phone, and strong locks. Make sure if someone breaks in, you can retreat and call for help.
  • Do not let strangers into your home to use the phone. Offer to make the call for them.
  • Do not use your full name on your mailbox or in the phone directory, or on your answering machine.
  • A cohesive neighborhood deters crime.
  • Be Alert.
  • Know your neighbors, have their numbers, and work together with your neighbors by looking out for suspicious and/or unusual behavior in the neighborhood.
  • If something seems questionable or to report suspicious activity, call the police.
  • Don’t enter your home if doors or windows are open that you don’t recall leaving open.  Call the police from a safe distance.
  • Call your neighbor if you see a service or suspicious vehicle at their house while they are gone.
  • Call Pettis County Crime Stoppers or report online if you any information the whereabouts of any wanted thieves in your area.